A BANNER YEAR Record community support keeps Lifeline working miracles Despite the effects of a pandemic in 2020, Lifeline is alive and well! In fact, because of the generosity of our community – the individuals, churches, organizations and businesses that support us (pages 16-18) – we have had a banner year! Executive director Ashley Miller, who had been in her leadership role just two months when the pandemic changed our lives in March, said the response has been overwhelming. “With people out of work and churches and businesses shut down for weeks,” she said, “we were more than a little concerned, but God has truly provided!” With help from an expanded community board, dedicated staff and volunteers, and a growing list of donors, Lifeline is thriving: • •
Our biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual banquet, Director Eric Miller presents certificate to Josh Clymer, switched to a virtual format to one of 53 recent graduates. comply with health and safety recommendations. The video, posted online Sept. 14, brought in In addition to successful fundraising, Lifeline more than $94,000 from has changed lives this year, fulfilling our mission 71 donors, including seven churches, to provide Christ-centered recovery from life13 businesses and 51 individuals. Noting the controlling addictions. Our staff and volunteers banquet traditionally raised $60,000 to $70,000 continued classes, sometimes virtually, so our in previous years, Ashley said, “Who could have program did not miss a beat in 2020. On Oct. 17, 53 guessed this year would be our most people celebrated completion of the nine-month successful banquet ever?” program; and we have more than 50 enrolled now. The annual golf tournament raised nearly “What a truly blessed year we have experienced,” $30,000 from 19 teams and 12 sponsors. Board Ashley said. “Even during this pandemic, we are member Todd Trimble spearheaded the event growing, so we can help others break the bonds Oct. 16 at Paxton Park Golf Course. To minimize of addiction.” health risks, we provided print copies of Lifeline client testimonials to each golfer; so each Read more about the banquet video and could get a glimpse of those they helped golf tournament fundraiser on pages 6-7. by participating.
4 | THE LIFELINE
