March 2010 - The Franciscan Center
Transcription
March 2010 - The Franciscan Center
The Franciscan Spirit March 2010 The Newsletter of The Franciscan Center, Inc. Suzy Beard Matthew 25 Sally Ley, CEO Founder Jean Reifenberg The Late Jean Kelly, SFO Co-Founder Jim Reifenberg JR, Inc. Jim Christie Executive Director Father Ron Rieder OFM, C.A.P. Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Board President John Tippmann, Jr. The Tippman Group Jan Scher, SFO Mary Lou Sohn, SFO Board Vice-President Brien Blackburn Innovative Packaging Steve Tippmann The Tippmann Group Secretary Ms. Renee Riecke, Esq. Barrett & McNagny Arlene Torgersen, SFO Joe Wharton Tippmann Properties Treasurer Rudi Siela Financial Focus Matt Wilson The Tippmann Construction York Young Our Sunday Visitor THE NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO RISE! From 2008 to 2009, All of our ministries grew in the number of clients served. Food Pantry 9% Medicine Cabinet 51% Sack Lunch 40 % Inside this issue: Staff/Volunteer Spotlight 2 1 in 8 Get Help At Food Banks—USA Today 3 A Message CEO & Founder 3 2009 Ministry Numbers 5 2009 Volunteers & Donors 6-7 Hat & Glove Drive 9 Children’s Allowance Pays for 50 Turkeys! 9 “If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.” - St. Francis of Assisi Quote for 2010 - Page 2 STAFF & VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Sandra Pleus Sack Lunch Program Manager Sandy has worked at The Franciscan Center for 10 years! She handles all sack lunch related donations, volunteers, and routes. TFC stays organized handling over 75 volunteer hours each week to prepare the lunches. Making sure the routes are organized and volunteers know exactly when and where to go is also something that Sandy takes care of. The Franciscan Center is blessed to have such a dedicated employee as part of our team! Meet Hazel Smith Sack Lunch Volunteer Her job includes coordinating that 1,200 lunches are made and packed each and every week and that volunteers are able to get them delivered to our neighbors in need. It is through her efforts that Fitting with the spirit of St. Francis, Hazel is also an animal lover. “She always makes sure she has bread for them and leaves the screen door open for the neighborhood cats to be able to come in and out,” says volunteer Ginny Uecker. Her dedication inspires other volunteers and everybody just loves getting to see her every week! Hazel is one of our most dedicated volunteers, rain or shine this 90+ year young lady is here every Tuesday and Thursday to help make sandwiches for our Sack Lunch program. She likes to volunteer “cause I just like to get out of the house and meet the people. I like the people, they’re like family.” SPECIAL EVENT SUCCESS! Our Vision The Franciscan Center is to transform a distraught community through loving acts of kindness for all people. Fr. Groeschel visits with Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration Last December The Franciscan Center’s celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the University of Saint Francis with guest speaker Father Benedict Groeschel. He is a popular author and activist who hosts “Sunday Night Live with Father Benedict Groeschel” on WTN. Father Groeschel also spoke of the exciting new wave of young people who are revitalized in faith and in Catholic teaching. He is seeing a big surge in interest and said that we are on “the edge of a new era in the Catholic Church in the United States.” His message included the importance of standing up against Catholic schools, especially colleges, who support pro-abortion entities. He asked parents to do their research! He was not only inspired hope to over 200 guests in attendance, but was an inspiration to our staff. He is a perfect example of the foundation of TFC; a reminder that we are here to serve in humility and love! FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR What an exciting first 8 months for me at the Franciscan Center! As you know, we had multiple events (Hunger Walk, Dinner & Auction, Thanksgiving Tuesday) last year that culminated with our 20th Anniversary Celebration with Father Benedict Groeschel. The Franciscan Center is blessed to have so many generous employees and volunteers. Thank you to all who supported these events. We couldn’t have done any of it without you. Additionally, in January, I was also blessed to have been at Bishop Rhoades Installation, as well as meet him at the reception afterwards. The more I read about Bishop Rhoades, the more excited I get about his appointment to the FWSB Diocese. It is apparent that he has a true love for the poor. His Episcopal motto, “to proclaim the truth in charity,” is a reflection of this. Bishop Rhoades has said, “Our duty is to bear witness to the truth of the apostolic faith we have received and to act as a witness of the Gospel in word and deed.” I look forward to working with the Bishop and the Diocese to “Feed the Hungry” in our community! Page 3 MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCIS! The children and youth of today seem to inspire change! One such young man is Mike, an 8th Grader from Saint Therese. In November 2009, Mike decided to put together a food drive for the Franciscan Center as his confirmation service project. Mike succeeded in gathering 2 boxes of food from classmates and family, and also brought in a cash donation that he earned by raking leaves. Even more thoughtful, Mike decided he would like to do something for the small children who come and wait in line at our food pantry. So, he donated a bag of candy to for them. We are so grateful for Mike’s thoughtfulness and prayers. It is through the kindness and dedication of people like him that our community can have hope in the future. “ Will say a rosary for the many volunteer’s and for the people who are helped thru the Franciscan Center. ” Mike R. - 8th Grade A Message From Sally Ley, Founder & CEO It’s hard to believe that the Franciscan Center lunches is still the cornerstone of our volunteers. This dedication develops into has been serving our neighbors in need for ministries. In fact, we will be expanding the relationships and bonds with those we serve. over 20 years! It seems just like yesterday program to include a new Saturday pick up We continually comment that we get more that Jean Kelly, SFO and I asked for the location for those who are not in our out of serving than being served. The blessings of the St. Charles Fraternity to boundaries. touching stories over the years are a move forward in opening a homeless shelter. As I look back at the past 20 years, a testament to this. At about the same time, we also started number of things stand out to me. However, Lastly, I especially want to thank all of the making sack lunches and taking them every the two things that impress me the most are: Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) ladies who Saturday and Sunday to the poor and 1) the gratefulness of those we serve. We have helped us over the years. Your homeless in our midst. These two ministries often get a “God Bless You” as we give a generosity of time, talent, and treasure is were the origins of what we know today as lunch or hand them food from our pantry and appreciated and will be rewarded. the Franciscan Center. Serving the sack 2) the faithfulness of our employees and 1 in 8 Get Help At Food Banks According to a USA Today news article on February 2, 2010, one in eight Americans (37 million) received emergency food help last year, up 46% from the last report in 2005. The findings are based on a recent report by the nation’s largest hunger relief group “Feeding America.” “It comes as a record number of Americans are receiving food stamps, 33.7 million last year.” At the Franciscan Center we have seen a rise of over 40% in our Sack Lunch ministry, but even more astounding the number of clients served in our St. Joseph’s Medicine Cabinet rose over 50%! It is not a surprise as the items that are given through this ministry, such as toiletries, ibuprofen, dishwashing detergent and other household cleaners and paper goods, cannot be purchased with food stamps. We are proud to provide the most fundamental and basic needs. We thank you for your past support in This is proof that poverty is on the rise and it is no wonder that accomplishing this task and ask that you spread the word about what we do raise awareness for our neighbors in need. food banks struggle to keep up with the demand. Page 4 A Message from FC Board President - John Tippmann Jr. In today’s economy and double-digit unemployment, the Franciscan Center was blessed to “Feed the Hungry” more than ever in the last year. As you saw on the front page of this newsletter, our ministries grew a tremendous amount. In fact, the Medicine Cabinet served over 50% more families in 2009 than in 2008. Our Mission is to serve the basic needs of the individual in the image of Christ so that they can then address their higher level intellectual and spiritual needs. Without meeting the basic needs, no other need can be fulfilled. TFC recorded a loss of $23,162 in 2009. This has been the biggest loss in several years. The main factor, as stated above, is that the demand of our services increased by as much as 50%. With that, the need to purchase more supplies increases, as well as an increase in the number of employees and volunteers needed to run our operations. This reality was reflected in the fact that we gave out almost 1,200 turkeys and hams during our 2009 Thanksgiving Tuesday event (an increase of 14% from 2008). 1,000 turkeys & hams were purchased through local stores so we would not run out like we did in 2008. We did our best to cover our expenses for this event, but unfortunately fell short. Additionally, our payroll increased to cover the amount of time spent handling the purchased and in-kind donations at TFC. This is a blessing, however, because we are putting people to work who would otherwise be unemployed and coming through our food pantry line. Thank you to all of our donors for your past contributions, and, now more than ever, we would appreciate your continued financial support. Lastly, a special thanks to all of our volunteers. We are truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve, especially by sharing Christ. Jim Christie & Family Visit with Congressman Mark Souder My family and I had an unbelievable opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and rally against the healthcare bill, lobby many of our U.S. Representatives, and to try and help protect the lives of the unborn. Obviously, we didn’t win this battle because the bill passed the House and was ultimately signed by the President. It was, however, an incredible experience for me and my family, probably one of the most significant in my adult life. My intent is not to talk about whether you agree or disagree with Universal Healthcare, or are pro-life, but rather to show the importance of getting involved and making your voice heard. the rally, along with feeding us lunch and helping us find our way around to different Congressmen’s offices. I was amazed with how much help and information we received from Congressman Souder and his staff. I really want to thank them for their kindness. We were able to see a glimpse of Washington from the inside, not just visit and see the sites. I encourage readers to do the same. The children were engaged the entire time and this was an experience our family will forever cherish! My family and I decided to do just that. On Friday morning, March 19th, because of the impending healthcare vote, my wife and I decided to pull our children out of school after lunch and take off for Washington that day. On the way, we called Mark Souder’s office to ask to meet with him the next day. To my surprise, Mark took our call, helped me to find a local hotel and then agreed to meet with us at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. As we met with Mr. Souder and his staff, they were extremely gracious and helpful! Another group from the Warsaw area was there and the Souder staff escorted us to From Left to Right: Lauren, Julia, Erica, Mark Souder, Logan, Jim, and Diane Page 5 2009 Ministry Numbers Sack Lunch 51,638 Sack Lunches over 48 Saturdays = Average of 1,076 Lunches Per Day 40.06% Increase in Lunches Served compared to 2008 Food Pantry 9,874 Clients over 96 days = Average of 103 Clients Per Day 8.59% Increase in Number of Clients compared to 2008 Medicine Cabinet 5,064 Clients over 50 Tuesdays = Average of 101 Clients Per Day 50.91% Increase in Number of Clients compared to 2008 Sack Lunch Volunteers Dedicate Countless Hours To TFC 2009 Dinner and Auction Committee Organization # of Items James Christie Sally Ley Vincent House 892 Mark Russett Nancy Henry B Antonio’s Pizza 41 Warren Wilhelm Susie Wright St. John New Haven 2,838 Donna Baccari Joe Wharton St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 7,023 Boy Scout Troop 15 95 Walt Veerkamp Joanne Fabini Majic 95.1 1,136 Bussick Dentistry 101 Trelleborg 163 This Past Year’s Dinner & Auction Event was a huge success with over 300 in attendance and making over 90K for a profit increase of about 47% from 2008! AAA Auto Club 200 From Father Jason Freiburger: FWCS Nutrition Services 900+ Bishop Luers 678 Lane Middle School (Carrie Habisch) 250 items and $100 Thank you to the Franciscan Center for being the hands of Christ by serving our brothers and sisters in this community who have fallen on tough times. Poverty isn’t just on the other side of the world, it is right Barb Tippmann here in our community! Page 6 Donors Able Construction Adams, Mary Kay & Wade Adams, Randy Ambrose, Louise American Electric Power Amstutz, Kip & Laurie Andorfer, Philip & Theresa Baccari, Richard & Donna Backstrom, Brian & Jennifer Ballou, Cathy Banet, Joan Barney, Lowell & Pat Baron, Michael & Rita Barrett & McNagney Attorneys Bauermeister, Brian Beam, Robert & Bonnie Beard, Suzanne & William Beasley, Henry & Joetta Beauchot, Mark & Susan Becker, John & Jean Beeber, Lois Beeber, Thomas Bennett, Jo Schey Bergman, Kent Bermes, Doris Beuchel, Patrick Binns, Robert & Mary Blackburn, Brien & Debbie Blaettner, Herald & Maria Bobay, Andrew & Janice Bobay, Edmund & Mary Ann Bohl, Elise Borg, Phyllis Bougher, James & Anne Brattoli, Mark Braun, Virginia Broderick, Jon Brown, Jimmy Brown, Stephen & Elizabeth Buchan, Bruce & Christina Buckley, Sam Bueter, Thomas & Mary Bundza, Mary Burrell, Marguerite Cahill, Michael & Mary Carteaux, Daniel & Kathy Carteaux, Jeff & Joanne Carteaux, Rita Castleman, Michael & Michelle Cavacini, Martha Cerney, Nancy Chandler, Steve & Annette Charlie Tippmann Foundation Chelf, Susan Choka, Theresa Chris Miller Electric Christie, Gerald & Judith Christie, James & Diane Chubinski, Dennis & Suzanne Clabaugh, Constance Coonan, Terrance & Theresa Cox, Mark & Angela Cox, Mary Crawford, John MD Creek, Duane & Peggy Crothers, John & Linda Curran, Eugene & Carol Dahm, Joseph & Dene Dailey, Scott & Laura Davis, Jacqueline & Randy Davis, Tim Didier, John & Lisa Diocese of FWSB Diskey Architectural Signage Dize, John Dluzak, Joe & Kathy Dluzak, John & Jennifer Doctor, Duane Doermer, Richard Don Yeoman Service Center Dorko, Joseph & Beverly Doust, Thomas & Roberta Dulworth, Michael & Joyce Dunifon, Jack & Jennifer Dunkelberger, Kirk & Karen Dupont Hospital Earnest, Thomas Eckert, Ann Eckrich, Christopher Ehlerding, Gregory & Amy Eisaman, Paul & Jen Elfried, Samuel Ellinger, Todd & Maria Emilian, Albert Engquist, L.O. & C.J. English, Bonter, Mitchell Found. Etter, Edward & Monica Everlast Concrete Maintenance E-Z Car Credit Fabini, Joanne Falater, David & Linda Ferro, Dave & Terri Finley, Brian & Jessica Ford, Renee Fort Wayne Jewish Federation Forte, Fred & Suzanne Fosnaugh, Kevin Franciscan Sisters Frauenfelder, Susan Freeman, William & Christine Freiberger, Gary & Karen Freiburger, Louis Freiburger, Margaret Friend, Gregory & Kathleen Furman, Henry Gabrek, Fabijan & Agnes Gandolfo, Judith Garrett, Michael & Donna GE Motors GE Foundation Gerardot Architecture Gillig, Ann Giraldo, Tertuliano & Marcia Girardot, Jay & Jennifer Goble, David Golden, Don & Pamela Gonya, Michael & Louise Grable, Jerry & Camille Gray, Nick & Ann Gunkel, Alan & Christine Hanke, Becca Hanke, Donald & Sharon Hapner, Kevin & Connie Harding, Al M.D. & Mary Hayes, Neil & Patricia Headings, Frances Heimann, Robert Henry, Jerome Henry, Kelly Henry, Steve & Chanin Henry, Steve & Nancy Hipskind, Jerome & Margaret Hoffmann, Mary Holbrook, Susan & Mike Holbrook, Charlotte & John Holder, Troy & Karianne Houck, Carole & Denise Houlihan, James & Ruth Howe, Hiddie Hummel, Nan Hunnicutt, Martin & Breck Huth, Susan Ianucilli, Gregory & Linda Interstate Warehousing, Inc. James, Linda Jean Kelly Trust Johnson, Addison & Marna Johnson, Nancy Lee Kaczhmarek, Patricia Kallsen, Carl & Yolanda Kaminskas, David MD Kapocius, Vincent Kapp, Larry & Annette Kapp’s Green Lawn Katterheinrich, Linzi Kelly, Lawrence & Patricia Kendregan, Shawn & Trisha Kentz, Leo Khorshid, Habib & Patty Kien, Matt & Becky Kinder, Michael & Sandra Kinsey, James & Barbara Kirk, Kevin & Anne Kleber, Carl & Margaret Koday, James & Janice Koester, Margaret Koester, Scott & Tamera Kohrman, Thomas & Joan Kopfer, Alice Krach, Daniel & Maria Krauss, Julie Krohn, Adam & Colleen Kruk, John & Judith Kuenkler, Ronald La Master, Peter Lake, Michael & Gina Lane Middle School Larson, Stephen & Cindy Lauer, Georgeann Lauer, Joseph Laughlin, Kevin & Carol Leeuw, Richard & Rita Lehman, Terry Ley, Chris & Kelly Ley, Monica Ley, Phyllis Ley, Richard & Nicole Ley, Richard & Sally Ley, Theresa Lindeman, Robert & Mildred Loehrke, Scott & Judy Lovett, Edwin & Anne Lueken, George & Pauline Lutheran Foundation Mainord, Cynthia Maniscalo, Thomas & Lucile Mann, Charlett Marqueling, Ann Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation Mary E. Vandrew Foundation Masri, Kathleen & Amar Matera, John & Helen McDonald, Robert & Sherri McEvoy, Terri & William McEwen, Howard McMahon, Pat & Lena Meijer Merchant, Thomas Michelle Loraine Enterprises Midwest Tile & Concrete Products Miller, Laura Miller, Mark & Lori Miller, Stephen & Tracy Miller, Todd Minnich, Gerald & Kathryn Mitchell, Elizabeth Moore, Janice & Max Morken, Tom & Tammy Morris, David Mortgage Appraisals, Inc. Moss, Roseann Mungovan, Thomas & Marilyn Murphy, Timothy & Deborah Myers, Mark & Julie Newport, Elaine Nicholas, Robert Nix, Zeno & Helen Noll, Priscilla Northern Indiana Public Service Nuttle, David & Jo O’Neil, Mike & Kathleen O’Connor, Cheryl O’Connor, John & Rita O’Daniel, Jeffrey & Sheila Offerle, Daniel & Carolyn Offerle, John O’Keefe, Michael O’Keefe, Joe & Pam O’Neil, Kathleen O’Shaughnessey, John & Debra Otto, Rosemary Owens, Craig Oyer, Vincenta Parks, Cynthia Parkview Health Parkview Physician Group Pelkington, Chris & Molly Perkins, David Pershing Pesa, Anthony & Gail Peters, R.S. & Mary Peterson, Benjamin & Amy Pettigrew & Sons Pittenger Stefan & Maria Plant, William & Doris Plummans, Bernadette Plymouth Congregational Church Pokrzywinski, Bernard & Jackie Pollifrone, David M.D. PROFED Prudlow, Michael Raby, Rick & Karen Racine, Joyce Ramsey, Marion & Jill Rang, Roger Recht, Mark & Jeanine Reed, Mike Reifenberg, James & Jean Reinke, Bruce & Janice Renier, Dennis & Joann Reszel, Paul & Rosemary Rice, Kent & Carrie Richardville, Michael & Karen Riethmiller, Tom & Teresa Roach, Stacia Robb, Robert & Phyllis Roberts, Barbara Rodenbeck, Scott & Michelle Roebel, William & Mary Ann Rondot, Daniel & Rosan Roscoe, Joseph & Maria Rose, Gregory & Cynthia Rosswurm Family Partnership Roussel, Benjamin & Kathleen Roussey, Margaret Ryan, Tim & Kathy Sarasien, Richard & Carol Sauter, John & Dorothy Sauve’, Mr. & Mrs. James Schafer, E.M. Schafer, Jeffrey & Mary Scheiber, Doris Schenkel, David Schenkel, John & Margaret Scher, Jan SFO Schleinkofer, Robert & Amber Schmitt, Frank Schroeder, Rodney & Maureen Schultheis Agency, Inc. Schutte, Vic & Terri Scranton, Rose Ann Seifert, Kenneth Sensenich, D.B. Sensenich, David & Mary Sexton, Warren & Rosalind Shaffer, Jeanne Sheets, Russell Shoemaker, Fr. Thomas Siefert, H. Jack Siela, Rudi & Pam Sliger, William & Marijo Smith, Brain & Joan Smith, Catherine Snyder, Paul & Doris Sorg, Maxine SS. Peter & Paul Church St. Aloysius Church St. Charles Fraternity St. Charles Borromeo School St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church St. John the Baptist Church St. John the Baptist SVD St. Joseph Community Health Foundation St. Therese Church St. Vincent de Paul Church Stahl, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Stahl, Mr. & Mrs. Shane Steenport, John & Barbara Stein, Daniel & Rosemary Stevens, David & Deborah Stiles, Carey & Randy Stone, Donald & Sara Stoner, Mark DDS Stults, David & Barbara Sturm, Mary Suever, Russell Swift, William Swiss Re Life & Health America Tait Edwin & Jennifer Woodruff The Altoris Corporation Thomas, Carol Thomas, David & Claudia Thomas, Gregory Till, Carolyn Mary Tippmann, Angela Tippmann, Barbara Tippmann, Ben & Kelly Tippmann, Brad & Lindsey Tippmann, Charles & Beverly Tippmann, Chip & Theresa Tippmann, Christopher & Shannon Tippmann, David & Angela Tippmann, Dennis Tippmann, Donald & Marie Tippmann, Gerald & Agnes Tippmann Heating & Air LLC Tippmann, Jerry & Kendra Tippmann, John Jr. & Kim Tippmann, Johnny Tippmann, Patrick & Shelley Tippmann, Robert & Mary An Tippmann, Samuel & Misty Tippmann, Steve & Kim Titcomb, Clifton & Mary Tompa, Lisa Torgersen, Arlene Tourney, Agatha Tower Bank & Trust Co. Travelers Insurance Co. Tuttle, Michael & Amy Ueber, Thomas & Joann Van Horn, Eleanor & Dennis Veerkamp, Gregory & Mary Pat Veerkamp, Mark & Patricia Veerkamp, Ruth Vennari, Gianna Voigt, Walter Waldron, Christopher Walker, Steve Ward, Carol Ward, Dorothy Ward, William Weber, Richard Weigand, Robert Wharton, Joe & Laura Whitmore, John Jr. & Paula Wicham, Joan Wilhelm, Erika Wilhelm, Warren & Carol Wilhelm, Gretchen Willson, Matt & Sarah Wilson, David & Cynthia Winkeljohn, Robert & Diane Wiseman, Jennifer Witte, Gerald Wolfe, Dorothy Wood, Dennis & Kristen Woodrum, Karen & Steven Wright, Dennis & Susie Wyss, Donald & Corinna Wyss, Patricia & Andrew Zuber, Robert Page 7 Volunteers Organizations Water Works Fletcher, Gerald & Pat Lochbihler, Judy Stemmler, Ruth AAA Auto Club Woodside Girl Scout Troop 20993 Follis, Karen Loeffler, Steve Stewart, Dr. Ken Follis, Mike Lowell, Barney & Pat Strzelecki, Heather & Frank B Antonio’s Pizza Benoit Academy Bishop Dwenger High School Bishop Luers High School Blackhawk Middle School Boy Scout Troop 15 Bussik Dentistry Concordia High School Didier Meats E-Z Car Credit Fort Wayne Community Schools Fort Wayne District UMC (Revive) Ford, Renae Mann, Carol Terry, Ann & Bill Individuals Garber, Kit Matera, John Thompson, Curt & Nikki Baccari, Donna Gettys, Greg & Julie Mayo, Kit Till, Matt & Mary Ball, James Gibson, Virginia McKee, Traci Tippmann, Barb Bass, Alden Gildea, John Meyers, Joseph Tippmann, Bob Beard, Suzy Giraldo, Terry Miller, Steve & Tracy Tippmann, John Jr. Belleville, Rob Gleason, Donna Minnick, Carl Tippmann, Mary Belot, Mike Glowaski, Gary Mockenhaupt, Denny Tippmann, Steve & Kim Bennett, Sarah Golden, Don, Pam & Family Mont, Gene Torgersen, Arlene, SFO Black, Cindy & Phil Gonzales, Amanda Moreau, Paul & Jackie Tracy, Barry & Family Blackburn, Brien, Debbie & Family Greaf, Betty Norton, Rick Trenary, Charlotte Blauvelt, Barb GE Health Care Employees Boacheon, Mary Homestead Special Needs Boyer, Mary Ann Jason Baker Football Camp Broderick, Jon Lane Middle School Buckley, Sam & Barb North Side High School Burns, Betty St. Aloysius Church Carabtree, Zac St. Aloysius Gator Girls Celarek, Joe St. Aloysius Grace Girls Christie, Jim , Diane & Family St. Aloysius KOC Clark, Kathy St. Charles School & Parish Cotton, Darlene St. Elizabeth School & Parish Cotton, Rachel St. Elizabeth Youth Group Dawson, Tina St. Francis Nurses Devine, Cathy St. John’s Fort Wayne Didier, John & Lisa St. John’s New Haven Dill, Family St. Joseph School & Parish Dirig, Scott & Iris St. Vincent School & Parish Ehinger, Doloris Star 88.3 Christian Radio Ehinger, Maury Trelleborg Eisaman, Paul Jr. UMC Youth Group Erlandson, Greg & Corine University of St. Francis Esser, Donald Vincent House Fabini, Joanne Gunkel, Alan,Christy & Family Norton, Marg Uecker, Jim & Ginny Guthier, Betti Paris, Patrick Veerkamp, Walt Harrold, Patrick Perez, Tara Voors, Bill & Deb Hartmann, Norma Preston, Ryan & Lynn Walsh, Jill Hastings, Jeff Rang, Rodger Wamsley, Ryan Hawkins, Hank & Alice Reifenberg, Jim & Jean Wharton, Joe Henry, Steve & Nancy Riecke, Renee Whilhelm, Warren Horstman, Sue Rieder, Father Ron, OFM, C.A. Williamson, Alice Jennings, Clay Johnson, Cornell Kellams, Brad Kelty, Matt Kempschm, Janet Kohne, Tony Langford, Chris & Family Lapp, Julie Larson, Steve & Cindy Lauer, Joan LeBlanc, Jackie Ley, Monica Ley, Mike Ley, Rick & Sally Ley, Theresa Rietdorf, Gary Riethmiller, Tom Russett, Mark Salon, Marilyn Sanderson, Dan Scher, Jan, SFO Schouweiler, Jeanne Sensenich, Dave Shade, Mel Shank, Helen Siela, Rudi Slater, Mary Ann Smith, Hazel Soberalski, Ed & Sue Sohn, Mary Lou, SFO Willson, Matt Wright, Suzy Young, York Page 8 Help A Neighbor Drive (HAND) - April 24, 2010 Hunger Walk - September 18, 2010 Dinner & Auction - October 23, 2010 Thanksgiving Tuesday - November 23, 2010 HAND - Saturday, April 24th, 2010 The Franciscan Center is once again partnering with Star 88.3 for our 9th annual Help A Neighbor Drive (HAND). For this event, we invite youth organizations to hold food drives and compete for a chance to win a DJ & Pizza Party with the morning team from Star 88.3. April 24th will be the drop-off date for the items they’ve collected and Star 88.3 personalities will broadcast live from each of three drop-off sites. Sponsorships available are: 2K (Gold Sponsor), 1K (Silver Sponsor), $500 (Bronze Sponsor) Hunger Walk - Saturday, September 18th, 2010 With over 300 participants from our community, the Hunger Walk is a collaborative effort between The Franciscan Center, Associated Churches, and Miss Virginia’s House to promote hunger awareness in our community and raise funds for hunger relief. Participants can support the effort by “Walking the Walk” with sponsored teams, or by “Writing-the-Walk” with a tax-deductible contribution. All proceeds from the Walk directly help our Allen County neighbors in need. Sponsorships available are: $1,000 Trail Sponsor, $500 Path Sponsor, and $250 Walk Sponsor Annual Dinner And Auction Event - Saturday, October 23, 2010 Our biggest fundraiser of the year which helps us to continue growing our ministries. The event includes testimonials and dinner, along with cash, silent and live auctions. The event holds 300 seats for area business leaders and Franciscan Center supporters. This is not only a wonderful fundraising event, it is a great networking opportunity! Sponsorships available are: $5K Event Sponsor, $2.5K Reception Sponsor, $1K Corporate Table Sponsor Thanksgiving Tuesday - Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Through generous community donations, the Franciscan Center is able to provide over 1,200 Thanksgiving meals to our neighbors in need. Donors can help offset the cost of Thanksgiving Tuesday through monetary donations or in-kind donations of turkeys, hams, and food pantry items. Sponsorships available are: $2K sponsors 160 Turkeys, $1K sponsors 80 Turkeys, $500 sponsors 40 Turkeys Call Us For 2010 Sponsorship Information! 260-744-3977 Page 9 Every year The Franciscan Center collects donations of hats and gloves and then hands them out to our Neighbors in need. In 2009, our staff volunteered a Sunday afternoon and handed out over 250 items! Each year, just by word of mouth, this little project grows and we would like to thank all those who have contributed! Family Who Gave 50 Turkeys With Allowance & Parent Match Four years ago, a family of five who would like to remain anonymous, created a family challenge to raise funds for our Thanksgiving Tuesday drive. The parents told their 3 daughters that they would match their monthly allowance if they used it to purchase turkeys for deserving families for Thanksgiving. All three girls donated 100% of their allowance! allowance & parent match, babysitting, and calling parents of friends. The youngest actually went door-to-door on their street. They negotiated the cost of turkeys on their own, and being driven by the oldest 17 year old sister, bought the turkeys, loaded them into the family van, and drove them to the Franciscan Center. These 3 girls have purchased over 200 turkeys over the past 4 years! The Franciscan Center was a logical place to When the girls were asked why they donate, donate the turkeys since the girls had volunteered through their schools in the sack their first response was “I just do.” Mom says lunch program. It was here that the girls saw “it has just become a normal part of their lives.” folks lined up to receive food. The 12, 15, and 17 year old girls Since then, the girls have continued in their respectively quote: fundraising efforts and this past year they ran “You are supposed to prove that you are a their challenge alone, only consulting with their Christian every day through your actions.” parents. They raised money with their “It’s a nice thing to do. I want all people to have a nice Thanksgiving.” “Everyone deserves a family meal on Thanksgiving. I do care for those less fortunate than me. It shows God how thankful I am for all of my blessings.” Non-Profit Organizatin U.S. Postage PAID Fort Wayne, IN Permit No. 1381 4643 Gaywood Drive P.O. Box 10303 Fort Wayne, IN 46851-0303 260-744-3977 260-744-2722 (fax) Mark Your Calendars Help A Neighbor Drive (HAND) April 24, 2010 Hunger Walk Sept. 18, 2010 21st Annual Dinner & Auction October 23, 2010 Thanksgiving Tuesday November 23, 2010 Fort Wayne Community Schools Nutrition Services Holds Food Drives In the past 6 months, we have had a lot of incredible organizations hold food drives for us. The drives held at the various Fort Wayne Community School facilities stand out as an example of how these things can snowball. It all started when Jackie Davis, Nutrition Service (NS) Manager at Lane Middle School, suggested that Carrie Habisch, PE teacher and volleyball coach, donate what she collected for the holidays to the Franciscan Center. Carrie held a staff versus team volleyball game. The entrance fee was 2 canned goods or $2. They collected 252 items and $100 that they donated to us. Jackie then suggested to Lila Park, Purchasing in NS, that they hold a food drive between the different school NS groups. They collected more than 700 items. Lila then also suggested to the Maintenance Department and the Grile Administrative Offices also do a collection, which they did. We collected several hundred more items. This is what happens when one person (Jackie Davis) takes the lead in making a difference for those in need. What can you do to help out the Franciscan Center? Matching Gift Companies With matching gifts you can sometimes double or even triple your gift! Many employers will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Ask Your Employer if They Participate in Some Matching Gift Companies… (make sure to check with your HR department to verify) AEP/ Indiana Michigan Power Aetna Aon Corporation AT&T Black & Decker BP Cigna Circuit City Stores, Inc. Citgo Petroleum Corp Coca Cola, Co. Cooper Industries Conrail, Inc. Eaton Corporation Ecolab, Inc. Eli Lily and Co. Emerson Electric Co. Essex Group, Inc. GE General Motors Glaxo-Smith Kline Goodrich Corp. Goodyear H&R Block ITT Aerospace Johnson & Johnson JP Morgan Chase Kmart Lincoln Financial Lowes McDonalds Merrill Lynch & Co. Mutual of America Pepsi Co. Pfizer, Inc. Pitney Bowes, Inc. Radio Shack Raytheon Systems Sprint Foundation Superior Essex Vera Bradley Verizon Wells Fargo Zimmer