Have a blessed holiday season

Once again this year, Max & Erma’s Restaurant (Central Avenue location only) has agreed to partner with FOCUS.  Present the coupon and go for lunch and/or dinner on Wednesday, December 15, 2011, and FOCUS will receive 20% of your check.  Since everyone is so busy this time of year, why not let someone else do the cooking?

FOCUS was the recipient of a fundraising event held on November 5th at the home of board member Valerie Garforth and her husband Peter, both natives of Great Britain.  History celebrates the arrest and conviction of Guy Fawkes (for treason against the Crown) with fireworks, bonfires and traditional English fare, and guests enjoyed them as well.  The party was a huge success, and the end of the evening saw a $1,000 donation to FOCUS.

Everyone cashed in at the FOCUS Fall Event held on Friday, November 4^th at the GESU Sullivan Center.  Guests had the chance to place their bets on black jack, Texas hold’em, roulette, and craps.  Poker chips were exchanged for tickets that could win the lucky guest one of many fabulous prize baskets, most valued at over $700.

A live auction saw bidders vying for vacation destinations including Key West, Myrtle Beach and New Orleans, while others set their sights on beautiful art pieces donated by Shawn Messenger and Jack Schmidt.

Board President Lindsay Potts introduced the honored guest of the evening, retiring board member Joel Hansen.  Heartfelt tributes to Joel were offered by Glenwood Lutheran Church pastor Melissa Micham and lifelong member Jim Findley, while Joel and his wife Becky and their children delighted in the well-deserved honor.

Event chairman Serena Rayford stated that over $30,000 was raised, helping to ensure that FOCUS will continue the work of housing people and making sure that they never become homeless again.

Friends of FOCUS had the opportunity to support the mission while having lunch and/or dinner at the Elephant Bar Restaurant on October 5^th.  For anyone presenting a special coupon at checkout, 20% of their check was donated to FOCUS.  What a great reason to get out of the kitchen!