30th Anniversary
1984 - 2014
Fall '14 Newsletter Wasn't that a Party! On the first day of summer, the Ark's 30th anniversary gala was held at Dorchester Community Church. It was a beautiful summer evening for the 170 people who attended. The evening began with a very tasty meal and background music of Rockin' Oldies/ Country Gospel. The Town Crier, Bill Paul welcomed everyone and tied some great balloons throughout the evening. David Ellyat, president of the first Board of Directors reminisced about the early days, and gave me Tom Reade's watch and the first promotional pin. The Amabile Young Women's Ensemble (pictured) elicited a standing ovation, not an easy thing to do in an outdoor venue. They certainly deserved it! Later, the Ingersoll Pipe Band graced us with their Sunset Ceremony. Larry McGill and his band provided lots of fun and great music. The silent auction, with about 90 items was also lots of fun and raised over $4200. With everything tallied, the gala raised $6200. Fundraising, while important, was not the only purpose of the event. As I noted in the last newsletter, 30 years of service without government support but by the generous support of time and money of countless people is worth celebrating. That generous spirit was evident at the gala itself, as 30 tickets were purchased by donors to give to others. We were able to bring some of our clients, particularly those who produced and donated artwork for the silent auction as well as some volunteers who faithfully serve to make the Ark happen day after day. Thanks are due to the planning committee, the businesses and individuals who provided items for the silent auction, volunteers who helped during the event, our wonderful caterer and entertainers and the event sponsors who helped underwrite the cost of the event. A service of celebration and thanksgiving was also held the next morning at Dorchester Community Church. The church graciously had a BBQ lunch following the service for us. Some of our clients attended and one liked the church so much, he has been attending ever since. He would never let me say, “God bless you,' after a sneeze, but now, after 22 years at the Ark he is attending church! Thanks to Our Gala Sponsors Rea Family OPT Holding Ltd. Yurek Pharmecy Ltd
The other news of the summer is that two groups totaling 16 people, have completed the 12-step Overcomers course. They are the first in Canada to do so, using that material. Each paid $20 for their workbook and faithfully worked through the material. There were lots of tears, forgiveness and freedom. This is Dan's work as the Outreach Director and the stories of hope and change only tell us we are on the right track – exactly why the Ark was founded 30 years ago! (More gala pictures on our website)
Spriet Associates Ltd Libro Financial Group Boys & Girls Club of London Dorchester Community Church
The Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc
696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4 Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045 E-mail: info@arkaidmission.com Web: www.arkaidmission.com
Ride Time! This year's Ride is to raise funds to help fund the Outreach position. We already are seeing positive results from Dan's presence and work but we still have a little way to go to fully fund the position this year. Or course, we need to look ahead to next year, too. The goal of our Ride is $5000. You can form a team of your own and recruit friends to ride with you, join a team, such as Team Ark or sponsor a rider. Please call the office or visit http://rideforrefuge.org/partner/arkaid. Let's keep Dan working!
Another 1000 words...
Volunteers & clients - 1st graduates of our Overcomers course
Great visits by St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs
Sophia sold lemonade - raised $105 for the Ark
Sarah selling her artwork at Old East Village Sidewalk Sale
Always busy As you see from the pictures, there is always lots happening at the Ark. In the spring, because of a generous donation by Libro Financial Group of their gently used computers, we upgraded the computers in both the office and computer lab to run more recent software. Over the summer, we relocated the computer space upstairs, to free up room in the Fireside Room. We've upgraded and increased our cooler capacity, just in time for fall donations of garden produce (already starting to trickle in!). In June, the Ark participated in the Old East Village Sidewalk Sale, with live street music, artwork, refreshments and Arkware gaining some new customers. Many new people have been in for snacks and meals. Thanks to those who have helped meet expenses over the summer. Quite a few folks requested receipts to be sent only at the end of the year, and we have done our best to note that. Please be aware that although we may not send a receipt with a note of thanks, we are always grateful for your support. Most weeks this fall, we'll be serving meals 7 days a week. Again, we appreciate your interest and support. After 30 years, the Ark still depends upon people who care – and who make a difference! Doug Whitelaw Executive Director Twitter: @ArkAidMission
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