Friday, September 19, 2008

good food, good fun, great cause

Last night, close to 200 men came together to cheer on the Mountaineers at the 3rd Annual Guys Night Out, while raising money for the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter. This fun-filled night - complete with brews, BBQ, cigars, games, raffles and plenty of football - boasted our biggest turnout yet!

Proceeds from last night's event will help fund critical programs at YWCA Sojourner's. In the past year alone, YWCA Sojourner's provided services to 1,080 unduplicated individuals - 338 of which were homeless children. Take a look some of our other 2007-2008 highlights:
  • Served an average of 62 people nightly in the 75-bed facility
  • Provided 5,530 case management/counseling hours
  • Provided 81,305 nutritious meals
  • Provided 19,202 shelter nights
  • Provided 4,537 hours of service and support through 408 volunteers

Furthermore:

  • 92% of residents found and maintained housing beyond six months
  • 86% of program participants gained meaningful employment, and 98% maintained that employment
  • 87% of program participants moved to a higher educational level
  • 533 individuals participated in the educational program, were tested, and received classroom instruction
  • 301 individuals improved their computer skills
  • 22 participants entered college or vocational school

A huge thanks to our many wonderful Guys Night Out sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. We couldn't have done it without you!

Top picture (L to R): Joe Long, Jeff Sandridge, Rob Rosano, Margaret Taylor (YWCA Sojourner's Shelter Director), Justin Southern, Randy Daniel, Debby Weinstein (YWCA Executive Director) and Paul Buechler.


Left: Guys tried their luck at the football throw contest during halftime.

Right: They couldn't wait to get their hands on the 400 lbs of pork BBQ hot off the grill!

1 comment:

Skip Lineberg said...

Deb, Rachelle, Laura and crew-

Guys Night Out was fantastic! Thanks for a wonderful evening of food, fun and friendship. The atmosphere was very low-key and relaxing, just right for unwinding on a busy Thursday. The food, beverages, prizes and cigars were first-class. Even though WVU lost, the Maple crew (Justin, Jim, Skip) and our clients had a blast! It was an honor to be associated with the YWCA as a sponsor of Guys Night Out.

Skip Lineberg