Shelter from the Storm Breakfast
Thank you for attending the Shelter from the Storm Breakfast!
Volunteers of America’s annual Shelter from the Storm Fundraising Breakfast, held April 20, 2011, was a moving, emotional experience for the more than 400 who attended.
Beginning with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's welcome, during which he touched on the recent completion of Volunteers of America's inaugural Winter Sanctuary program, the 60-minute breakfast event offered inspirational testimony from a host of sources and media.
As guests arrived, they were treated to a slide presentation of volunteer highlights from the past 12 months, as well as the music of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Combined Choir.
Following Mayor Johnson's introduction, Capital Christian Center Pastor Rick Cole offered the invocation, and introduced Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada President and CEO Leo McFarland.
"As you have heard me explain today, this has been an exceptional year of people giving of their time and treasure, and for this I am extremely grateful," said McFarland. "But I continue to meet with funders who explain how there will be even fewer resources coming our way next year. Our gap continues to grow, and the more than $1 million gap in projected funding – approximately 9 percent of our annual budget – will again call upon us to be creative in how we respond."
"My hope is that you will remain good friends to Volunteers of America, and continue to help us change the life of a child, help individuals leave homeless for good, protect abused seniors like Ben, and help foster youth reach independence."
McFarland closed his speech by introducing a short film by local filmmaker Kent Lacin. Titled "As If They're Your Own," the seven-minute presentation highlights the impact that Volunteers of America's Transitional Housing Program for Former Foster Youth has had on young men and women
As the house lights came back up following the film, Nikki Nelson-Rivas, a graduate of Volunteers of America's transitional housing and job-training program at Mather Community Campus, shared a heart-touching story of lost hope and redemption.
"I was so grateful for Volunteers of America because they taught me how to be a mom, an employee, and a friend," said Nelson-Rivas. "They assisted me in breaking a cycle that had affected my family for three generations."
"Today my girls and I are like three peas in a pod. I get to teach them all the things I was not taught as a child. I have eight years of sobriety, and lead by example. I learn new things every day, and I hope I never stop learning. I would really like to thank Volunteers of America for not giving up on me, for consistently guiding me and always giving me positive feedback. For that I am forever grateful."
The event ended as Janice Bowen, a member of Volunteers of America's board of directors, invited the breakfast attendees to support the programs by making a pledge, and McFarland thanked everyone for attending.