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March 29th, 2009
CELEBRATING WALK-A-THON 2009!
On Sunday, March 29, 2009, hundred of friends of Thomas House gathered at Mile Square Park to celebrate Walk-A-Thon 2009. The goal of the event was to support the shelter in its continuing mission of providing services for homeless families in Orange County.
Guy Carrozzo, mayor of Fountain Valley, welcomed the participants and gave an inspirational speech to begin the walk. As Boy Scout Troop 412 carried the flag, participants, volunteers, children in strollers, and even a few pet dogs walked laps around the lake. Afterwards walkers were treated to Starbucks coffee, snacks, chili-cheese dogs, and refreshing beverages. Dozens of prizes were awarded and many young faces were painted by the Volunteer Clowns of Orange County.
Executive Director Sister Kathy Stein thanked the walkers on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and families of Thomas House. She also accepted a $1,000 check from the Garden Grove Firefighters IAFF Local 2005. Other groups receiving recognition as presenting sponsors (donations of $1000 or more) were Lawrence Elementary School, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sam’s Club #6627, and the Law Offices of John L. Michels. Key Club, KIWIN, and other volunteers representing 15 high schools assisted throughout the day and shared their spirit of service and youthful enthusiasm.
Walk-A-Thon chairpersons, Mark and Sheila Michels, thank their outstanding planning committee and all those who contributed to the success of this Celebration in the Park. Thanks to all of you, Walk-A-Thon 2009 raised over $20,000 for Thomas House.
Plan now to be a part of Walk-A-Thon 2010 next spring!
January 26th, 2009
Women’s Auxiliary
Our newly formed Women’s Auxiliary recently held it’s second tea at the
lovely home of Patty Gallivan in Newport Beach. Many eager new faces
were in attendance to learn more about Thomas House Temporary Shelter
and the many opportunities for involvement.
This group of energetic and creative women will have their first official Women’s Auxiliary meeting in mid-January with its focus on new fund- raising endeavors, hands on activities at the shelter when called upon by staff and sharing the mission of Thomas House Temporary Shelter with their family, friends, neighbors and business associates!
Donna Lucchino kindly stepped forward to lead this lively group of women
in their first official year! Anyone interested in learning more about Thomas
House Temporary Shelter’s Women’s Auxiliary can contact Charlotte Governale at 714/265-0640.
Oct. 18th, 2008
5th Annual Autumn Reflections Fundraiser
This wonderful event, celebrating Thomas House’s twenty-one years of service, was held Saturday, October 18 at the prestigious 100-year-old Santa Ana Country Club. Thanks to Barb and Tom Orbe for making these arrangements again this year.
Colleen Ballas was recognized for her long-time support, sharing her talents over the years for Thomas House. She graciously and modestly accepted the 2008 Founders Award from Bernie Selz.
People went home with many lovely gifts from the silent and live auctions. Our Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer, Rick Milke, from KOCE TV, did a wonderful job helping us to raise large sums of money for the Shelter.
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who generously contributed to Thomas House again this year. Thanks also to Anne and John Fraher and Teresa and Robert Quick, our Platinum Sponsors. We are also grateful to Barb and Tom Orbe, Neil Reitz, Beth and Ray San Vicente, and Mary and Bernie Selz, our Gold Sponsors. Thanks to all the people who supported us in so many different ways!
Last but certainly not least, a very big Thank You to Kay McDonald and Mary Ann Colclough, the Co-chairs, and also thanks to their very helpful committee. They all worked tirelessly, with energy and enthusiasm to make this year’s event yet another successful on for Thomas House.May 15th, 2008
2nd Annual Thomas House Temporary Shelter: Charity Golf Tournament
Good News! Thomas House Temporary Shelter had another incredible golf tournament!
The tournament was held at the beautiful and challenging Tustin
Ranch Golf Club on May 15. It kicked-off at 1 pm and ended with
a western barbeque dinner and awards presentation. There were 66
paid golfers, an increase over last year, who enjoyed the links
and great California weather. Click here to read more...
A tea was held recently in the in the lovely home of Beth San Vicente to familiarize prospective guests with the newly formed Thomas House Temporary Shelter Women's Auxiliary. The purpose of this group is to support Thomas House and its fund-raising endeavors and to participate in hands-on activities at the shelter.
The new auxiliary welcomes all women who are interested in Thomas
House and its mission. For additional information, please contact
Charlotte Governale at 714-265-0640 or charlotte@thomashouseshelter.org
July 28, 2007
Garden Grove Shelter Marks 20 Years
By Blythe Bernhard, The Orange County Register
Click here to read the article.
July 22, 2007
20th Anniversary Celebrated
Twenty years ago, Mary and Bernie Selz with one magnanimous thought, changed the lives of hundreds of people in Garden Grove and the surrounding areas. Click here to read more...
"The children's program is cool - Now I have a place to do my homework and someone to help me...and I have my homework done when I go to school. I like the computers and snacks too.”
- AThomas House Child Resident