Grassroots - Renovation and Expansion Update

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

(Healthy Howard) -- Campaign Hits $2.2 Million Mark

The Renovation and Expansion Campaign has raised over $2.2 million of the $5.5 million goal.

As previously reported, Howard County Government has pledged $1.5 million. Other major donors include: The Horizon Foundation, $200,000; The Columbia Foundation, $75,000; The Rouse Company Foundation, $50,000; Ascend One Corp., $50,000.

Additional funding is expected as a result of a Bond Bill. The Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly has sponsored House Bill 232, "authorizing the creation of a State Debt not to exceed $500,000, the proceeds to be used as a grant" for Grassroots' Renovation and Expansion. The bill had its first reading Feb. 9.

Applications have been made for capital funding to the Kresge Foundation and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Grassroots has been invited to apply for funding from the Weinberg Foundation.

Faith Communities Help Again

Five local faith communities have made pledges of $15,000 each to the Renovation and Expansion Campaign: Glen Mar United Methodist Church, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Kittamaqundi Community Church, Linden-Linthicum Untied Methodist Church and St. Louis Roman Catholic Church. Each will have a shelter room named after it.

Kittamaqundi Community Church and Linden-Linthicum United Methodist are also participating in Grassroots' cold weather shelter program, which got underway Nov. 21, for its third session. This year, 18 local churches are hosting the shelter for one or two weeks each until March 26. The church-based shelters provide a haven for individuals and families who are unable to get into Grassroots when all of its rooms are taken.

Parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church provide the evening meal for Grassroots every Thursday and have been doing so for years. The church has designated the proceeds of its Social Action Box collection on the last weekend of the month to meet its pledge to Grassroots.

The Kittamaqundi Community Church is hosting a benefit concert for Grassroots on Saturday, March 25, 7:30-11 p.m., featuring HOT SOUP, a popular group. There is no admission fee, donations are requested. More information is forthcoming.

St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church's pastor, Rev. Richard Tillman, is a member of the Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee, along with Rabbi Susan Grossman of Beth Shalom Congregation, Rev. Mimi Mathews of St. John Episcopal Church and Rev. Ostein Truitt of St. John Baptist Church.

Businesses and Organizations Show Support

The Developers & Homebuilders Shelter Initiative, led by Campaign Co-Chair Steven Koren and Rich Thometz of Hailey Development, has attracted seven donors. Haily Development, KasCon, Koren Development and Ryland Homes have each pledged $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named in their honor. In addition, pledges and contributions have been made by: Richard Talkin, Esq., $5,000; Elm Street Development, $2,500; and Dale Thompson Builders, $1,000.

Realtors Pat Hiban Real Estate and Odum Real Estate Group have each pledged $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named after the firms. Howard Bank has pledged $15,000 and will have the Entrance Garden named in its honor. Howard Bank President and CEO Mary Ann Scully is Campaign Co-Chair.

Another $15,000 room sponsor is The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent. The Clarksville Lions Club and the Columbia Business Exchange have each committed $1,000, as has Wealth Preservation, Inc. and the Snell Corporation.

People in the Community Make Pledges

Pledges from the Grassroots Board and Staff now total over $66,500!

Frank and Yolanda Bruno have pledged $15,000 for the Medical Exam Room. Andre and Mary Pat DeVerneil have also pledged $15,000, and a shelter room will be named in memory of Mary Pat's parents, Mary and John Donelan. Steve and Mim Dubin have pledged $10,000 and will name the Outdoor Picnic/Dining Area.

Other contributions have been made by Bob Jeffrey, $5,000; Brigitte and Donald Manekin Family, $3,000; Maggie Brown, Jean Moon, Lynne Nemeth, Migsie and Gar Richlin, $2,500 each; Michael and Renee Lowden, $1,500; Joseph V. Murray, Sr., $1,200; Brooke and Kari Schumm, $1,000; Arlene and Bob Sheff, $1,000; Lawrence Weaver, $500.

Generosity is a Family Trait

According to research on philanthropy, generosity is something you learn by example. Grassroots board member Ed Stern's son, Sam, a sophomore at Atholton High School is launching a student campaign to raise funds for the renovation and expansion, and St. Louis 8th grader Sophia Biglotti, daughter of Grassroots staffer Katie Goan, is also doing fundraising, including an Out of Uniform Day, bake sale and letters to parents.

Looking for Temporary Space

While grassroots is undergoing its renovation and expansion, the crisis intervention services, shelter programs and offices will have to be relocated. Grassroots is looking for temporary space. If you know of any that is available, please contact Andrea Ingram, 410-531-6006.

Help the Campaign: Spread the Word

If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com.