Some of you have been asking how the Grandma’s Attic sale
(featured in my 2/2 column) turned out. Many people donated
belongings they no longer needed, while others had a great time
finding treasures for themselves.
Some of you have been asking how the Grandma’s Attic sale (featured in my 2/2 column) turned out. Many people donated belongings they no longer needed, while others had a great time finding treasures for themselves.
The sale raised $1,072 – not bad for one day of selling stuff from the back of peoples’ closets at rock bottom prices. The money goes into a fund to help others, including victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Last week I described some of the life-changing work SJFC has been doing in our community, but since the tragic events of last year’s tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, St. Joseph’s Family Center has found itself in a difficult position. Many of its supporters are experiencing something called “donor fatigue,” feeling tapped out by one crisis after another.
SJFC was blessed with a surge of support during the holidays, but now they are struggling to meet the needs of families who come to them year round for emergency shelter, food, and utility assistance.
Director David Cox says, “In light of this, we still continue to explore ways we can make a difference in our communities. We recently joined forces with Catholic Charities, working together on a project called Navigator. This addresses the needs of chronic homeless individuals who are diagnosed with addictions to drugs/alcohol, mental illness or both.
Case management, intense medical services and providing stable housing are key components to the success of this partnership.
“Your gifts help make our work in the local community vital and have improved the quality of life for many families in the South County area.”
SJFC’s largest fundraiser is more crucial this year than ever, and a number of local organizations and businesses have become official sponsors of the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner.
Cox says, “With a sponsorship of $1,000, your company’s logo or name will be included in all promotional materials including flyers, ads, signage, the Web site, and more. You will also receive two dinner tickets and VIP seating.”
This year Suzanne St. John-Crane (the director of our local non-profit TV station, CMAP), is arranging a selection of Celtic music to be played in the background during the evening. Our talented town auctioneer (also known as Mayor Pinheiro) will auction off some choice items, including a round of golf, a wine tour, a week’s vacation to Cabo San Lucas, and even a 20-cubic-yard dumpster rental.
Come join us and be served by Gilroy’s City Council members and other dignitaries, while contributing to a great cause. You might win one of the prizes being raffled off, which include goodies from places like Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Rotten Robbie, Mama Mia’s, the Gilroy Flower Shop, Panera Bread, Famous Dave’s BBQ, and the Platinum Movie Theatres.
The next time someone asks you for a handout, remember that in directing them to SJFC (and making your contribution to SJFC instead), you are steering them in a direction where they can receive more help than you or I can give alone.
It takes the participation of many individuals, businesses, churches and organizations to reach out and change the future for those at the lowest end of our community’s economic spectrum.
You know, giving to hurricane and tsunami victims is a great idea, but there’s a year round tsunami of poverty right here in our own backyard. We need to give a helping hand to those who need it in our own neighborhoods first.
Please mark your calendars for the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on March 18. Tickets are $25. No host bar starts at 6pm, with dinner at 7pm. SJFC can reserve tickets and hold them at will-call or send them to you. Make your reservations now with SJFC/David Cox at (408)-842-6662.
