Dear Friends,
I’d like to think of myself as lucky, as I have yet to hear a Mariah Carey Christmas song on the radio or in stores because, frankly, I don’t do a lot of in-person shopping anymore, and I don’t listen to the radio. For those of you who become all giddy the day after Halloween about the upcoming Holidays, welcome to your Season.
I’m not grumpy about it; I love November and December and all of the celebrations and traditions that come with it. Whether it’s decorating for the Holidays, shopping for loved ones, eating all of your favorite dishes, lighting candles, honoring the family and friends who are missing from our celebrations, and taking stock in the bounty of what we have, we can all find something to look forward to this Season.
I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for the work that we do at Families Moving Forward that not only support the families and children in our shelter who are experiencing homelessness with unique and life-altering services and programs but the way our community comes together to show their love and care for our most vulnerable. This “love bombing” reminds us that we are not alone in this fight for safe and affordable housing for our neighbors in need.
As you make your own Holiday plans and traditions, why not make Families Moving Forward a part of what makes this season so special for you and yours? You can join our Virtual Gala on December 3rd and bid in our Gala’s online auction. You can “Adopt-A-Family” living in our emergency shelter for the Holidays (see below). You can send us a check or donate online after you receive our Holiday mailing and year-end appeal. You can remember the shop for us on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday from our gift-in-kind requests and Amazon Wish List. And you can definitely create or participate in an FMF Giving Tuesday campaign. Every gift of hope matters.
In Community,
Shana Carignan
Gala Update
The big day is fast approaching so make sure you purchase your tickets for our Chefs for Change Virtual Gala on Friday, December 3rd! This year’s program is going to be AMAZING and you won’t want to miss it!
The Gala starts early with goodie bags with desserts from Parker and Otis, Southern Harvest, Sage & Swift, and more delivered directly to your door for you to enjoy while you’re signed in. During the program, we’ll be showcasing highlights, announcing community awards, and even showing a special video made by the staff and board of FMF! You’ll also hear directly from families about their experience at FMF and how it helped them find their way home. Powerful stories from the most resilient and strong people we know will remind us all of the incredible ability we have to affect positive change in our communities. This will be one to remember!
But wait, there’s more! Your ticket to the Gala also gains you access to our incredible Online Auction! Last year the items were INCREDIBLE and we raised almost $20,000 together. This year we are all about getting local and giving back to the Durham community that does so much for us. There will be lots of local gift baskets that will not only provide great food, drinks, and goodies but also the knowledge that you’re supporting your friends and neighbors with every dollar. Alongside the local gift baskets, there will be six (!) incredible vacation getaway packages up for grabs!
This year’s Gala is going to be one for the ages so go right now to fmfnc.org/gala to learn more and get your tickets while you can! And remember, $40 of every $50 Gala ticket is considered a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!
Getting Back into the Groove!
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, facilitators, and staff for transitioning back to on-site programming!
As you can see here, we are dancing with joy to have you all back in-person!
Our programs are what makes FMF special and the people who make them happen are more than special... they're groovy. Adopt-A-Family
Our Family Holiday Sponsorship Program is gearing up for another year of giving. Would your family, church circle, friend group, etc. like to make a difference in the life of a family experiencing financial hardship and homelessness this season?
By adopting a family you will not only be helping parents provide gifts for their children, but more importantly, you’ll be bringing joy and warmth to a family in need. Please consider becoming a sponsor to help make the holidays a special time for everyone at FMF.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Development Associate Brady Kaiser at brady@fmfnc.org or 919-683-5878 x29. Our goal is to have all families in shelter "adopted" as soon as possible, with gifts being delivered to FMF by December 15th.
Giving Tuesday
Later this month, we'll be emailing you with information on our Giving Tuesday Campaign. #GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since that time it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
This year #GivingTuesday is on November 30th and we hope you will join us in spreading hope, care, and love to those who need it most. Thank you.
In-Kind Update
This month we are highlighting our continued need for personal care items and cleaning supplies. The NEST is almost back up to full capacity and we need your help to keep up with the needs of the families. Visit fmfnc.org/in-kind for more information on what items are the highest priority, and contact our Development Associate Brady Kaiser at 919-683-5878 x20 or brady@fmfnc.org to schedule a drop-off time.
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