Hundreds of community activists and leaders put the ‘fun? in fund-raiser at Open Your Heart to Lighthouse this past Thursday night.
‘It’s a worthwhile cause,? said Carolyn Hemphill. ‘We’re delighted to do it.?
Carolyn and her husband, Jerry Hemphill, offered their Clarkston home for the fund-raiser for the second year in a row.
Dozens of volunteers, contributors, and sponsors stepped forward to help with the annual event, Lighthouse North’s main fund-raiser of the year.
They planned for the past six months for the event, Carolyn said.
‘All the food is donated ? it’s just wonderful,? she said.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, entree samples prepared by local restaurateurs, and conversation, as they filled the rooms and hallways of the Hemphill home. A custom-home builder, Jerry built the house in 1998.
This time of year is a great time for a party and fund-raiser, said John Ziraldo, president and CEO of Lighthouse of Oakland County.
‘People have cabin fever,? Ziraldo said. ‘This is a great chance to meet with friends and neighbors.?
Local residents respond generously when asked for help, said Michelle Robinson of Lighthouse.
‘The Clarkston area supports us really well,? Robinson said. ‘Whatever we need, just seems to automatically come in ? it’s really nice.?
With the recent cold weather, people in need are having trouble paying their heating bill, she said.
‘A lot of people are in really desperate need,? she said.
The Clarkston fund-raiser was started six years ago by Bill Clark, a Heart of Platinum sponsor along with his wife, Gwen Clark. It was hosted by Fred and Sheila Ritter for two years before the Hemphills took it on last year.
It raised $42,000 for Lighthouse last year, Parcha said.
Lighthouse North, on Sashabaw Road, is part of the non-profit charitable organization Lighthouse Emergency Services.
Incorporated in 1972, it provides food, personal care items, and financial assistance to people in need. It depends on volunteer help, and private and corporate donations.
It opened its Clarkston branch in 1990, and moved into its current location in 2001.
For a ‘wish lift? of requested donations or more information, call Charlotte Jones at 248-920-6100 ext. 2204 or visit www.lighthouseoakland.com.
The Clarkston area is not immune to state and national economic troubles, Lighthouse representatives said.
‘Even in Clarkston, more people need assistance than ever before,? said John Ziraldo, president and CEO of Lighthouse of Oakland County.
‘In Clarkston, people think that everyone is doing OK,? said Carolyn Parcha, host committee member. ‘But with the economy, more people are living on the edge. It’s sad.?
Platinum sponsors:
Bill and Gwen Clark
Chuck Fortinberry
Drs. James and Tim O’Neill
Sharon Frericks-Fields and Scott Fields
Patti and Mark Gilman
Great Lakes Athletic Club
McLaren Health Care
Victor International Corp.
Waterfall Jewelers