As we leave Winter and dive head-first into Spring, with its beautiful blooms, new leaves and evidence of new beginnings everywhere you turn, one can see the correlation between the seasons and the stories of our clients. In our most recent newsletter, you can read about two people who came to Family Service at low points in their lives, and found the tools and advocacy they needed to restore hope, achieve stability, and thrive. Such determination in the face of life’s challenges is inspiring to me and I believe to all the staff at Family Service. It is what sustains us in our mission and encourages us to continue empowering others in times of crisis.
Looking for something to do after this year’s fabulous Oyster Roasts in High Point and Greensboro? This summer, Family Service will present a brand new event in Jamestown thanks to the generosity of the Ragsdale family. The Jamestown Pig Pickin’ will be held July 31st at the home of George and Jenny Ragsdale, who are also chairing the event committee. Billy Ragsdale will serve as Honorary Chair.
Family Service of the Piedmont has had a presence in Jamestown since 2004, in which time an increasing number of our services have been made available at our Jamestown location. Still, our agency remains relatively unknown in that city. The new fundraiser aims to increase awareness of Family Service in Jamestown as well as expand our donor base. I would like to thank the Ragsdale family for conceiving and leading this exciting new event. I am sure it will be a big hit with the Jamestown community, and I hope it will become a regular annual feature.
If you would like to host or sponsor the Jamestown Pick Pickin’, click here.
2010 has already been an exceptional year in terms of fundraising for our agency. As you know, we are relying more and more on the support of donors from the community to carry us through our current funding difficulties in this slow economy. We have experienced cuts in funding at the state, federal, and local levels, and we are anticipating more reductions in the future. Our own staff and board members understand this perhaps better than anyone. I was therefore delighted when we achieved 100% giving to our Annual Campaign from members of staff, our governing Board, and our two supporting Foundations.
I am equally grateful to all of you who contribute so much to our agency, whether financially or through tangible donations, or as volunteers. I will leave it to the chairs of our two Foundations to thank just a few of our recent contributors in person (see newsletter). Please know that however and whatever you give, your continued support is very much appreciated and increasingly important to the Piedmont families and children our agency serves.