An October fundraiser for Presbyterian World Service & Development attracted 140 people and raised $4,752 for the church’s relief and development agency. Ticket sales accounted for just over $3,100 of that total, with a silent auction garnering nearly $1,400 and other donations $175.
“More important than the money raised was the interest in the part of the many who gathered,” said PWS&D director Ken Kim, “who will share the energy and excitement around the work of PWS&D with their own congregations.”
The wine and cheese event was held at Glenview, Toronto, and featured harpist Lori Gemmell of the Kitchener/Waterloo Symphony and CBC’s Tom Allen as storyteller. Both are members of Beaches, Toronto. Heather Chappell (program assistant with Stewardship and Education for Mission) and Vince Peets were musical guests.
PWS&D launched an appeal in mid-September, announcing they were projecting a shortfall of nearly half a million dollars in 2009. Not wanting to reduce program support, staff members are hoping to garner last minute donations before the end of the year.
“Historically, PWS&D receives 40-45 per cent of its entire year’s donations in the last quarter of the year,” said senior administrator, Colleen McCue. “We are hopeful that during the upcoming Advent season, people will prayerfully and financially support PWS&D’s life-changing programs.”
