To Our Family Promise Supporters-
Out of an abundance of caution and after much discussion with our staff, board of directors, and volunteers, we have made the decision to cancel our Fundraising Gala that was scheduled for August 7, 2020. We plan to hold an event early next year when it is safe to gather in larger groups, but have not selected a date as of this time.
The last three months have been an extremely challenging time for us as an organization, but I am proud to report we never stopped serving families and have even brought in new families during the pandemic. We also started a summer camp for the children in our Transitional Housing program.
Our church rotational shelter has been closed for 13 weeks. I am grateful to our host churches and support churches who have found new ways to engage with Family Promise and have continued serving our families week in and week out. We would not exist without our volunteers. Their commitment to Family Promise has not wavered despite the challenges the pandemic has presented.
As you can imagine, the cancellation of both the Resurrection Run back in April and the Fundraising Gala this summer has had a significant impact on our budget. We are grateful to our sponsors of these events, and we are working on ways to celebrate their commitment to our organization. We are also working on new fundraisers that will not only support the work we do, but also keep the members of our community safe during the pandemic. Look for an online auction with some fantastic items coming later this summer. We are also planning “Night Without a Bed.” This unique event that you can participate in from your own home will raise funds for Family Promise of Blount County, but also bring awareness to the growing crisis of family homelessness in our community.
Our Thrift Store is now back open five days a week. It’s located at 705 E. Lincoln Road in Alcoa. The funds raised at the store go back into our programs, so you can shop and support our families at the same time. We are in need of additional volunteers at the Thrift Store. If you are able to help in this way, please fill out this volunteer interest form.
I am grateful for the ongoing support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, including United Way of Blount County. Together they have lifted us up and given funds to ensure we are able to continue serving vulnerable families in Blount County. We have made great strides this year despite the obstacles in our path, but we have more work to do. I ask that you join with us in this work and make a gift that will create a community where every child has a home. You can give online here or mail a check to P.O. Box 4457, Maryville, TN 37802.
Thank you for supporting Family Promise of Blount County and for helping us navigate the challenges and obstacles this year.
Caroline Lamar
Executive Director
