Money
raised helps Silicon Valley's Homeless.
Pastor
Ginger DuMars of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in San Jose's Blossom
Valley presented more than $2,000.00 to one of San Jose's leading
homeless services organizations On December 5th at her parish
on Cahalan Avenue. About 30 members of the congregation between
the ages of seven and 70+, conducted a bowl-a-thon at Oakridge
Lanes earlier this year and raised the funds for InnVision through
individual pledges, with a match in funds from the Lutheran Brotherhood
Branch 8088 of Santa Clara Valley.
Not
frightened by the downturn in the economy, organizer Kathy Szymkowiak
said she asked individuals to pledge more this year, than last.
She says everyone was happy to oblige. "In these times when
the economy is uncertain, InnVision is working extra hard to help
people less fortunate than ourselves," said Szymkowiak. "Hopefully
this will inspire others to do more," she added.
David
Eastis, Chief Development Officer for InnVision says the heartfelt
intention behind the bowl-a-thon fits in perfectly to the organization's
philosophy. "InnVision is dedicated to empowering homeless
and at- risk families and individuals. We accomplish this by offering
various levels of housing and day programs in a safe and supportive
environment that promotes self-worth and independent living."
Eastis
explained that InnVision was founded in 1973 and serves over 11,000
homeless families and individuals each year. "Our continuum
of care," said Eastis, "involves a system that is innovative,
embodies compassion, and is sustained through the effective and
efficient use of the organization's resources." To find out
more about InnVision, visit www.innvision.org, or call (408) 292-4286.
St.
Andrew is a small, neighborhood congregation, which was newly
remodeled and expanded, that welcomes all people. Sunday School
for children is offered during the 10:15 A.M. worship service.
The motto at St. Andrew is "love in action." Among the
parish's various community outreach projects involves dedicated
cooks and servers providing home cooked meals and friendly visits
to InnVision's Julian Street Inn each month. Each winter, St.
Andrew hosts a bowl-a-thon, and utilizes matching funds to reach
out to San Jose's community and support a local ministry like
InnVision, Habitat, Help one Child and Foster Family Campership.
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