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What Summer’s Made Of
School supplies fill store shelves, there is a bit less light to attend to the day’s tasks…yes; the end of summer is coming. Likely much like yours, our summer has been a mix of productivity and fun – here’s what we’ve been up to:
Thanks to a grant from the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) Auxiliary Rose Fund, badly needed updates and repairs were made to Jack’s House in July. A single-family home in West St. Paul, Jack’s House provides permanent housing for three men – each of whom was homeless prior to living there. Funds allowed for deep cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, and replacing old carpet and linoleum. The scope of the renovation required residents to move out of the house, so staff and volunteers stepped up efforts. Staff coordinated temporary housing and volunteers worked alongside residents to pack and later unpack belongings and help the men settle into their newly improved home.
Bill, Guild Board Chair, and Jim, Guild Administrative Services Manager, acted as guest dealers for the event!
Volunteers showed off an entirely different set of skills a couple of months earlier at 5thAnnual Donor Recognition Casino Party. More than 200 people tried their hand at a variety of games while getting to know our volunteer dealers and auctioneer. Guests were treated to live music by “The House Band” and a mouth-watering spread from Prom Catering beneath the high ceilings of the Clarence Wigington Pavilion on Harriet Island. Gopher’s Football tickets drew the highest bid this year. Selling for nearly $30,000 in play money, the tickets were just one of many donated items bringing not only bids, but lots of smiles. See the photo gallery on our Facebook page. Many thanks to volunteer Susan Sparling Micks for sharing her photography talents with us for the event.
Guild supporter and host Joyce with a friend she recruited to man the grill for the day!
Smiles were plentiful at the lakefront home of Guild supporter, Joyce Agnew, this summer, too. Joyce generously invited Guild clients to join her for a monthly picnic at her home. Serenaded by lapping waves, guests lounged on the hammock; hung their feet from the dock; played bocce ball and croquet, and dined on the best of what picnics have to offer including Joyce’s homemade, chocolate-dipped strawberries. Clients shared their gratitude for Joyce’s hospitality noting they rarely have the opportunity to enjoy these types of life’s simple pleasures. Check out the photos in our Facebook gallery!
And, earlier this month, we wrapped up summer activities with our staff picnic. Staff members and their families enjoyed a BBQ, a visit to the ice cream truck, games and prizes, and some even took a turn in our “photo booth”. The mix allowed staff and their families to trade the day-to-day routine for an afternoon of sun, fun, and good company at Minnehaha Park. That’s what our summer was made of; we hope yours was made of good stuff, too. Here’s to holding on to the sweetness of summer – may the remaining days fortify you and the ones you love.
That’s what our summer was made of; we hope yours was made of good stuff, too. Here’s to holding on to the sweetness of summer – may the remaining days fortify you and the ones you love.
