Calling All Angels gives thanks for success of Hunger and Homeless Event

The second annual awareness event hosted by Calling All Angels Mission — along with the Ecumenical Food Pantry of Pike County, Pike County Hands of Hope, and the Pike County Humane Society — held at Jen Murphy Fitness Studio in Milford on Nov. 12, 2016 is being hailed as a success by event organizers.
“The event to raise awareness for hunger and homelessness problems here in Pike County and the surrounding areas was a success” says Charles Reynolds, board member and head of the organizing committee.
Reynolds says that more food, clothing and blankets came in during the event than the previous year. And the money raised nearly doubled last year's inaugural effort. Although the groups involved are quick to point out that raising money, however helpful to advancing the work they all do, was secondary to getting people to understand the impact of hunger and homeless among our population, to recognize the changing faces of both and the need to push our legislators to enact legislation that helps end the overriding causes of hunger and homelessness rather than simply focus on the symptoms.
Speakers from the hosting organizations talked about everything from the food insecurity members of our community face to what happens to the pets when a family becomes homeless. A discussion of legislative initiatives and actions residents can take to push these forward was held. Musicians were interspersed throughout the evening and food donated by local businesses and individuals was available. And a tricky tray raffle was held, with the various items donated by businesses and individuals throughout the area.
Especially moving was the talk from Barry Heim of the Pike County Humane Society discussing the shelter, work they have done to improve the lives of not only our four footed members of the community but also their owners as well. Heim, a passionate proponent of no kill shelters, was well received by attendees.
The Mission, and other charities represented, want to thank everyone involved.
“First,” says Calling All Angels Mission board executive Lauren Anderson-Reynolds.”We would like to thank everyone that came out to our second annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Event on Saturday Nov. 12 at Jen Murphy's Studio in Milford.”
Anderson-Reynolds went on to heap praise on all the musicians who selflessly gave of their talent and time to make the event fun as well as informative. Olvia Zinn, Gary Zinn and Matthew King from Olivia and the Coalition. Adam Zajac, Mark Ferguson, Ray Weiner and Mr. Lenny Miller. (Charles Reynolds and his new bride Lauren performed Walking Away Again, an original work they co-wrote just for the event.)
Committee chair Charles Reynolds wants to thank to Milford Township supervisor Gary Clark Sr,. Representative Rosemary Brown, and her chief of staff Brian Fenstermaker (who sent some information about legislative action on the Pennsylvania capitol), who were the only elected officials invited who attended or helped.
Organizers also thank our sponsors for providing the money and food and tricky tray items that helped make the night successful. Jen Murphy Fitness Studio for the use of her space, John's of Arthur Avenue for the pizzas, WalMart (especially Sergio and Jose) for the discounted sandwiches) and the Patisserie Fauchere for the desserts. Also Brianna Binelli for the finger foods and iced teas; Milford Diner, Steenstock Vintage, the Copper Kettle / 84 Country Store, Zosia's European Skin Care for providing gift certificates; The Artisan Exchange, local artist Raven, local philanthropist and musician Lee Raden, customers of the Calling All Angels Thrift Shoppe, Irene Decker, and Theresa Rocco for items used in our tricky tray and door prize.
Calling All Angels Mission also wants to recognize and thank their partners and co-hosts for the evening. The board and members of the Pike County Humane Society, especially Mr. Barry Heim for his passionate discussion of how hunger and homelessness affects our pet population; Theresa Rocco and the many volunteers from Pike County Hands of Hope for sharing with the attendees stories of hunger and homelessness in our area. And the leadership of the Ecumenical Food Pantry of Pike County for helping with the setup and cleanup.
“And we want to thank all of our partners,” Reynolds added. “Those who co-hosted the event and those who were unable to, for all they do to make things better for those in need in our community. It is an honor to work with all of you.”
Finally, thanks needs to be sent out to all those who came out and helped with everything from donating money to bringing food and beverages, helping at the door, selling raffles and cleaning up. We want to specifically thank a few who went above and beyond on the night of the event. John and Lucy Cabezas, Brinna Binelli, Diane Quinones, board member Robert Abbott, George and Debbie Kane, Janine, Gary and Miranda Zinn, Mark and Tammy Ferguson.
And, although not officially a sponsor, a thank you goes out to the Pike County Courier for all they did to help promote this important event.
Organizers wish to remind everyone that National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week goes on until Nov. 20. It is held the week before Thanksgiving to remind people all they have to be thankful for and all those who are less fortunate. And that, despite the fact that it is only one week out of the year, raising awareness of the issues of hunger and homelessness should be a year round effort. Without awareness of these societal problems, “we will never be able to see the actual causes that lead to these. Without acknowledgment that hunger and homelessness exist and are symptoms of greater issues, we will never be able to reduce and one day eliminate them.”
“As long as one person is without a steady living situation and one child goes without the nutritious food they need to grow and be healthy,” stated Reynolds. “We will never stop helping, educating and pressing for the overriding causes to be fixed.”
For more information, to find ways of volunteering for this or other events, or to make a donation of cash or food or raffle items, contact Charles at the thrift shop either by phone (570-409-6055) or email (callingallangelsmission@gmail.com). Or simply stop by the shop at 611 Broad St. in Milford, PA.