Sunday, December 30, 2007

Nine-lives willy

The other day I had the chance to serve food to the men who live in the basement of the First United Methodist Church on 5th and Columbia. John, a dear family friend holds a server there once a month and has done so for the past year and a half. John is a non-denominational man of service. He lives solely for the purpose of making a difference. He lends is time, his money, his heart and soul to giving back, making friends, learning stories and touching hearts. And, if you met him, you'd never know he;s a man of great wealth who spends a majority of his earnings on the people in this City.

I digress, I had the chance to serve and eat and spend time with these gentlemen who live part time in the basement of the Church. I got to talking to a man named Willie. He had some serious stories to share, and was relentless in making sure his voice was heard. Willie's a guy who used to own a cab company in the mid 80's and has better stories than a bar back at Studio 54 circa 1975. And for the week of Dec 12-18, Willie was the Vendor of the week for the Real Change Newspaper. I'm not sure where he sells, but maybe you can ask him in person....

If you'd like to meet Willie, let me know.I'll be running an event at the First United Methodist Church on Jan 30th. I'd love to have you and I know the men would love to swap stories.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

See Sound Lounge Make Nice

Come and dance and drink and (maybe) sing Christmas Carols tonight at SSL.

Look Here for Details

All proceeds at the front door and ALL your )generous) tipping at the bar go directly to World Concern.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Blanket And Toiletry Drive 2007

Hello Seattle, I've got an idea...Let's start making a difference by doing. Watching and waiting is good and all, but I have a feeling, if we put our heads, bodies, and souls together we've got a good chance of leaving this city feeling and looking like gold.

Here's our first go at it:

It's time again for the Blanket and Toiletry Drive! Last year was extremely successful and the Men, Women, Children and Staff at the Union Gospel Mission were incredibly grateful.

I will be collecting Toiletry's and New and Used blankets Saturday January 5th 2008, between 9am-4pm . If you would like to participate please send me a message with your address.

The UNION GOSPEL MISSION has been serving the Seattle area for over 73 years. In 2006 Over 120,000 Seattleites sought overnight refuge at the mission. Beyond providing a safe place to stay the UGM has served over 535,000 meals. UGM offers continual help for the Men and Woman who seek the assistance of the Mission for life rehabilitation. Everyday their lives change and their future becomes full of purpose.

The most important thing to remember is that your donation will make a difference.

All Toiletry's are accepted (unopened or new). Anything from Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, dental floss, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush are accepted (please keep in mind we are supplying for Men, Women, and Children)

Any and all blankets are welcome.

This year we will also be collecting Sweaters and Jackets for Men, Woman, and Children. As well as, Arts and Craft Supplies for the Children. We can accept: Pad of construction paper, Pad of white drawing paper, Crayons, Markers/colored pencils, Water paint set, Scissors, Glue, Scotch tape, Stickers, Glitter, Pipe cleaners, Story book. Art Supplies should be new, however the books can be gently used

I look forward to hearing from you all. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. I hope this finds you healthy and happy! Best wishes for a safe and comfortable Holiday Season.

Blessings!

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The Union Gospel Mission Describes their purpose and their people:

There are over 8,300 homeless men, women and children in King County. Every number is a real person. And every person has their reasons: domestic violence, mental illness, the economy or simply "my mommy brought me here."

Some are safe for the night in emergency shelters. Some are working their way toward self-sufficiency in transitional housing. Some sleep on the streets or in abandoned buildings, hungry, dirty, and in harm's way.

Whether or not they have roofs over their heads, these individuals call Seattle/King County their home just like the rest of us.