Marlene Arellano, Family Link Referral Coordinator for FBB, works at Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
In the nonprofit world, sustainers are those generous donors who pledge monthly. Even a small, regular contribution helps organizations plan for the future. Family Building Blocks (FBB) held a Sustainer Happy Hour at the Salem Convention Center.
FBB works to prevent child abuse and neglect by working with families with young children (under six) who have the greatest need for support.
Danae Johnson, an FBB sustainer, opened the program. She works with Chad Campbell and Barry Nelson at Capital Financial Planners, who sponsored the event.
The sun was shining, so the team from ServiceMaster headed outside on the SCC deck.
FBB kept the Happy Hour theme with wine, appetizers, and dessert on the table in place of dinner.
Patrice Altenhofen nears her tenth anniversary as the Executive Director of FBB. She said 99% of the children they served had stayed safely in their families. She updated the attendees on:
-Doris’ Place in the Santiam Canyon. This will be a relief nursery with a therapeutic classroom.
-Jan’s Place in South Salem, named for Jan Alsever.
-Jeanette’s Place on State Street, named for Jeanette Epping, is open for family mental health appointments.
-Helen’s Place on 18th Street, named after Larry Tokarski’s mother, with openings for therapeutic classroom services.
-Dallas Academy provides a therapeutic classroom, home visits, services, and playgroups.
Daisy Holmes, the parent outreach manager, inspired guests with stories of the 800 families they serve a year. She asked donors to participate in “Hope for the Holidays” so families could participate in the holidays.
A short video story about Rebekah and her two boys told of how she valued being able to participate in FBB programs. Rebekah spoke at the event and received a standing ovation. She said he hoped to be on the “other side” of the podium in the future.
The closing speakers were Josh and Lillian Kay, FBB Board members, and new parents. They emphasized the importance of becoming a sustainer so the organization can continue to thrive and serve more children.
You can watch the program on Vimeo here: FBB Sustainers Happy Hour on Vimeo
Rebekah (client) and her son benefitted from the work of FBB. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
The team from ServiceMaster – Coralia Walters, Paco Rosas, Samantha Decker, Nicholle Riesch, Brian Greer – enjoyed the Salem Convention Center Deck. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
FBB Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen speaks at Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Aimee Carter, Erin Molyneaux, and Pam Vale attend Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Josh and Lillian Kay speak at Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Guests attend Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Diane McLaran, Jerry and Sam Moore attend Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Barry Nelson and Chad Campbell attend Family Building Blocks Sustainer Happy Hour (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.
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