To The Family Place staff and volunteers, fall is the most active season of the year. That’s when their fundraising activities kick into high gear. From the Back TO School drive, Partners Card to the Texas Trailblazers, their feet never seem to touch the ground for more than two seconds. And that’s exactly what was reported at The Family Place Partners general membership meeting. Plus the gals were also reminded what all this fundraising is for. Check this report from the field:
“The Family Place Partners General Membership meeting was full of news about upcoming fall events. Melissa Sherrill, Vice-President of Development, reported that over 600 backpacks were provided to children in need through the Back TO School drive. She reminded everyone to watch The City of Dallas Domestic Violence Task Force: Private Violence – an HBO Documentary, on Monday, October 6.
Jennifer Tobin and Caroline Kohl*
“Jennifer Tobin, president of The Family Place Partners, introduced Stephanie Hollman, one of the Texas Trailblazer Awards luncheon co-chairs. She invited everyone to join in the September 17th event at the Hilton Anatole which celebrates the Legacy of Harold C. Simmons. President and Mrs. George W. Bush are distinguished chairs. Other co-chairs are Stephanie’s husband, Travis Hollman, Carol Seay and Stephanie Seay. Joe Torre is the keynote speaker, who will be interviewed by Dale Hansen, WFAA8 sportscaster.
Mandy Austin and Stephanie Hollman*
“Partners Card chairs Lisa Bhattacharya and Andrea Cheek recognized co-chair Diana Hamilton and announced Partners Cards are on sale Monday, September 1, online. Partners Card runs from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, November 2.
Andrea Cheek and Lisa Bhattacharya*
“Cameo Raymond, a Family Place client, was the guest speaker. She has been a resident of Dallas since 1998, working as a realtor for 12 years, specializing in luxury homes. Cameo came to The Family Place in 2007.
“She met her husband in 2003. He was a mortgage lender working with her and her clients. He used controlling and manipulation and lies to turn her situation around and even frame her as an abuser to the point of losing custody of her child. She came to The Family Place who provided help and assistance needed during the tough times. Cameo stayed strong and ‘kept [her] faith in place, as truth always comes out.’ During the time of loss custody, she stayed active in the school visiting her daughter every day at lunch and forming relationships through the PTA for others to see beyond the lies for who she really is.
Cameo Raymond and Gay Donnell*
“Now looking back, Cameo realized patterns and how her ex-husband positioned her to be the perpetrator, as it was all about his power and control. Cameo is successfully working on her real estate business and has custody of her daughter. She is thankful for The Family Place and assistance provided and looks forward to giving back to the cause.
“The Family Place Partners are a group of dynamic women who support The Family Place in its mission to eliminate family violence by serving as a volunteer arm and financial partner. Founded in 1990, The Family Place Partners have made a significant impact on the organization’s ability to serve victims of family violence.
“The Partners have a direct impact on The Family Place clients and the community through fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy and public education. Partners support The Family Place’s clients throughout the year with service projects such as Thanksgiving meals, Easter baskets, and holiday donation drives. They also organize Texas Trailblazer Luncheon and Partners Card, the agency’s largest annual fundraiser.
“Membership is open to the community. Visit the website at http://familyplace.org/ and click on “Get Involved,” for details and for more information on the fundraisers and special events.”
* Photo credit: Rob Wythe