Refuge to host first fundraiser banquet March 29
The Refuge of MS, a day program for adults with special needs, is hosting its first-ever fundraiser banquet later this month.
The event will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about the organization’s yearly plans and goals and hear from Refuge friends and parents.
“This banquet will be our first fundraiser for the year and is the first banquet we’ve ever hosted,” said Executive Director Brooke Crenshaw. “This dinner is not only an opportunity to have a more hands-on experience, but also to understand more about why the community is so important to the Refuge.”
The Refuge of MS Hero Banquet is set for Saturday, March 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building at Northside Park with food provided by City Limits Seafood & Steaks. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, March 16.
Crenshaw said the primary goal of the event is to raise awareness about The Refuge and its mission. As a nonprofit that does not rely heavily on grants, community support is essential to sustaining its programs.
The banquet will not only kick off their yearly fundraising efforts but also encourage attendees to become monthly donors, sponsor a Refuge friend, or learn more about other initiatives, such as the annual 5K Run at Ham Jam and pottery projects.
Another key goal is to help cover the organization’s growing operational costs, which include fair wages for staff and keeping tuition affordable for families. Recently, tuition was raised to $200, but Crenshaw said their commitment is keeping costs as low as possible.
“We don’t want to burden our families with that continuous tuition because their children aren’t going to age out or graduate from this program,” Crenshaw said. “We want to be a blessing to the families and help the community see how they can be a part of that blessing.”
The event will feature a silent auction, where guests can bid on a variety of items, including artwork and pottery made by Refuge friends, a night for two at Phillip M’s Fine Dining, as well as donated items such as handmade baskets and more.
For those unable to attend, sponsorship packets are available for community members who want to support the event. The Refuge also encourages people to consider becoming monthly donors to help sustain their mission.
“We trust every day in the Lord to meet our needs financially, materially, and in giving us wisdom that’s needed to carry this out,” Crenshaw said. “Through resources and training we also trust Him in helping us meet the diverse needs while providing the engagement each friend desires and deserves, all the while ensuring the staff are not getting burned out or overwhelmed.”
Crenshaw is also working to secure a matching donation through the platform Give Butter, which is selecting three campaigns for a donation match. She has launched a “March Matchness” campaign in hopes that the first $5,000 raised will be matched if chosen.
“Even if they don’t select us, maybe through our banquet, we can get that amount matched,” she said. “Whether it’s a yearlong campaign people can become donors through or a one-time donation this month, it all helps us meet that ‘Matchness’ goal.”
The Refuge also hosts other fundraising events, such as the annual Refuge Roundup, which recently saw 180 attendees, further spreading awareness and support.
In addition to fundraising, The Refuge is working on securing a kiln and storage shed to enhance their pottery and arts program and purchasing a van to improve community involvement.
Currently, friends from The Refuge volunteer monthly at the Baptist Center, assisting with food banks and clothing donations. They also participate in a mission program assembling food bags for local students in need.
The Refuge has also recently introduced new educational activities, including an illustration program. In January, participants focused on drawing and painting Arctic animals, and Crenshaw said they plan to compile the artwork into a special book featuring each friend’s contributions.
“It’s been exciting to see how they’ve grown to enjoy the things we are implementing,” Crenshaw said. “A lot of times, it’s just trial and error.”
The Refuge of MS is located at 11421 Hwy 15 North. For more information about the fundraiser or ways to support, call (601) 389-8059 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/therefugeofms or their website at https://the-refuge-of-ms-inc.square.site/
Attached is a video of event details: https://www.facebook.com/