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President's Report |
We have had a busy Autumn with meetings and events mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter. The Thanksgiving and Holiday Basket programs are in high gear. We have about 100 more families to serve this year than we did last. Food and toys are being collected at the Bargain Loft as well as many other places. We will again participate in the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade with our loyal Brass Quartet playing Holiday music as we march on Friday, November 23rd. All who would like to march with us are welcome to gather in the staging area at 10:00 AM.
Our Grant writers have been very successful and they would love to have you join them in this critical function. Those of you with experience in writing government contracts would be especially qualified. Let Gale Napoliello (gale@herndonrestonfish.org) know if you are willing to help. We now have an office set up in the Cardinal Bank Building on Sunset Hills Road. Reston Interfaith has sublet a space to us and United Christian Parish supplied the furnishings. We will be holding our November 19th Board meeting in their Community Room using our new space. The address is: 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190 Suite 250. Our mail will continue to go to the Bargain Loft. Gale and I will continue to be reached via eMail or cell phone.
Preparations for FLING 2013 are underway. It will be held at the Dulles Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday evening, April 20th. Make certain to "Save the Date". Auction items are needed and your help will be most appreciated.
The 2012-2013 Board of Directors is working hard to keep FISH moving forward to expand our ability to provide short term assistance to those in need. Our auditor, Kathy Beck, has pronounced Herndon Reston FISH, Inc. fiscally sound once again. Thanks to her and our past treasurer, Diane Hardcastle, and our current treasurer, Jody Wolfe. The needs in our community are higher than ever and your support through donations and volunteering are essential for FISH to help others.
Most sincerely,
Janet Hyman, President |
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Donor and Volunteer Reception | |
In September, FISH held a reception for donors and volunteers at Dominion Electric in Herndon. About 70 participants enjoyed excellent food prepared by the FISH Board of Directors and listened to musical entertainment provided by Chiara Savage on cello (top right) and vocalist Beverly Cosham accompanied by Felicia Kessel Crawley on keyboard (top left). Janet Hyman, President of FISH recognized Barbara Guinee (bottom middle) and Anne Wellborn (bottom right) for their many years of service to FISH. Barbara Guinee was a Past President and Board member and worked at the Bargain Loft. Anne wrote the assistance checks for FISH and ensured that all were delivered in a timely fashion. |
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New FISH Board of Directors | |
picture by Marci Thrailkill
From left to right first row: Peggy LeReche, Suzanne Rudiselle, Evea Newsom, Janet Hyman (President), Gale Napoliello (Executive Director), Karen Stevens; second row: Susan Gerstel, JoAnn Bordeaux, Mia Merin, Felicia Roney, Inga Marler; third row: Robert Reed, Carl Larsen, Ed Robichaud, Jay Bhalla, Kristina Baumler. Absent: Jody Wolfe, Olivia Toatley.
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The Bargain Loft | |
The Bargain Loft was started in November 1981 as a volunteer-run thrift store selling household items and furniture. Over the years it has transitioned and added more collectible items. The proceeds help those in need through the FISH Assistance Program. Last year the Bargain Loft profits provided $72,000 for the assistance program. In 2011, FISH hired Barbara Williams and April Elliott in a shared position to manage the Bargain Loft and they are doing an excellent job overseeing about 80 volunteers who sort, clean and price merchandise and serve as cashiers. Each year, the thrift shop has a Christmas Store that generates additional revenue for FISH. Currently the Bargain Loft is having a 50% sale on nearly all merchandise to make room for Christmas items, which have been collected throughout the year and stored. The Christmas Store will open Tuesday, November 20th after a frantic and fun weekend of transforming the store into a Holiday Shop. Plan to visit our shop and find many bargains. |
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President - Janet Hyman
Executive Director - Gale Napoliello
Newsletter Managing Editor - Mary Jo Baedecker
FISH is a member of the following campaigns:
United Way Campaign No. 8359
Combined Federal Campaign No. 83534
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Thanks to Our Major Supporters |
Lisa and Tim "gorilla" Kelly
two coordinators of the Spooky Sprint Fun Run.
The Bradley Farms Home Owner's Association sponsored the Haunted House and the Spooky Sprint Family Fun Run with the proceeds from these events donated to FISH. We are very appreciative of the huge effort of organizing and operating this scary haunted house and fun run.
In addition, we thank the following individuals, corporations and organizations for recent major donations:
Frank Abrams
Nancy Cary
Evea Newsom
Fairfax County Community Funding Pool
Kendall Philanthropic Fund
John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation
Knights of Columbus
Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
M&T Bank
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
St. Mark Catholic Church
The Closet
United Christian Parish
United Way Community Impact Fund |
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Food Baskets |
FISH is in the process of collecting food and donations for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. We thank Hunter's Woods Safeway, Fox Mill Giant and Franklin Farm Giant for letting us collect for our food drive at their stores on October 27. Eleven volunteers collected food - above from left is Mia Merin, Lilly Sather, and Susan Gerstel. Generous donors contributed enough food to fill 48 boxes and cash was donated to purchase gift cards for perishable food. Small gifts will be included for children for Christmas. We thank Robyn Kampf for coordinating the food baskets.
The last day for accepting donations is December 14. Food can be dropped off at the Bargain Loft at 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA 20170. Donations can be mailed to HerndonReston FISH and mailed to the same address. |
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The People We Help | |
A male client, who had lost his job, requested rent assistance. His wife had just started a good job, but their bank account was depleted and they needed temporary assistance. According to the apartment building manager, the couple had never had a late payment and were eligible to remain in the apartment. FISH pledged funds toward the rent and provided information about where they could find the balance to solve their temporary problem.
A single mother of three children who were under 18 was subject to cut-off by VA Power. The status of her account was verified and FISH covered the outstanding charge with the power company.
A social worker from Reston Hospital contacted us for assistance with discharge medications for a patient who had been unable to work because of illness. FISH pledged to cover the cost of four medications.
Note that FISH does not give cash to individuals; rather it pays the apartment manager, utility company, drug store, or service station. When the request for assistance exceeds our limit, we do not release funds until other sources are found to meet the entire amount needed. | |
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Donations to the Bargain Loft | |
Please continue to donate your unwanted items to the Bargain Loft.
The hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 10-3 and Saturday 10-4.
Call 703-437-0600 for questions about donations. | |
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Volunteering | | Volunteers are needed to:
-work at the Bargain Loft as cashiers or sorting merchandise.
-help with Family Assistance to receive telephone calls and process the information.
-drive those in need to medical appointments.
To volunteer call 703-437-0600 and leave your name and contact information. |
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Quick Links | www.HerndonRestonFISH.org
FISH and The Bargain Loft are on Facebook.com
If you're on Facebook, be sure to show us to your friends by "liking" us
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The Bargain Loft sells on eBay! under the name
DownstairsUpstairs
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