FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2011
ALAMEDA, Calif. - East Bay Family Law Firm Throws Fundraiser for Alameda Midway Shelter
Susan Jeffries used the back yard of her law office for a benefit party for the Midway Shelter that raised over $3,700.00 for the Shelter.
The Midway Shelter provides overnight housing and counseling services to help abused and homeless women and children adjust to a new life. Last year they helped over 265 guests. It is one of the few shelters that also takes children who otherwise would have to be placed in foster care or left on the streets
"Susan's donation will help close our funding gap of over $30,000," said Midway Treasurer, Ginny Krutilek.
The law office staff decided to do a benefit when they learned that the Shelter had suffered major losses from City budget cuts and lower donations caused by the bad economy.
"As divorce attorneys, we know how damaging even minimal domestic violence is to families, women and children. Abused women often leave their homes with nothing. Sometimes not even their shoes... often not even their wallet. Midway Shelter offers a place to go and takes them out of harms way until they are back on their feet," said Susan
"We were only able to do it because of all the generous support from the community," said Susan. "Everyone was eager to help and almost no one turned me down when I asked for a contribution of food, beverages or raffle prizes."
"The party was one of the best because of the great food and wine, and I was glad to help the Shelter too" said accountant Luise Roke.
Food was donated from four of the city's top restaurants and food purveyors plus two private chefs.
George Fitzgerald and attorney Mike Finein tended bar, dispensing wine from four private wineries and a host of smaller donations plus Stella Artois Beer, water and juice.
Fred Domondon, the office accounting manager and professional artist/musician, provided musical entertainment.
Nancy Hill, office manager and other volunteers from the office and Midway welcomed guests and helped attorney Celeste Johansson manage the raffle and silent auction.
"It was really wonderful to see so much generosity. Everyone was really happy to help the women and children at the Shelter." Said Mike Finein.
Visitors were treated to over 60 items on overstocked tables for raffle prizes as well as a silent auction. Generous donors contributed valuable antique Roseville pottery, cut glass, huge plants, and other usable items for adults and children plus coupons for food, drink, services around town and a year of free parking at Oakland Airport.
A new feature was the "Buy Board" showing needed items for the shelter which guests could buy all or parts of on the spot.
Among top auction favorites were a two bottle bag of wine from Blacksmith Cellars, a beautiful wooden box of olive oil and condiments from Greece and an oil painting of Market Street at night. The most unusual was a painted block of wood with paper stuffed into a crevice, from Pro Arts Gallery.
Every night the Midway Shelter provides housing for 25 to 30 women and their children in their Alameda facility. During their stay, the women receive individual case management, counseling and goal setting, parenting classes, weekly life skills groups, domestic violence education and other community support services. Children benefit from structured educational and recreational activities, individual case management, therapeutic gardening and advocacy in local schools.
Donations of money can be sent to PO Box 951, Alameda 94501. Call 523-2377 for donations of towels, toiletries and nightwear and other things for adults and children.
