Annual AM Breakfast a Big Success
by Mike Yoder, AM’s Executive Director
Foss Waterway Seaport was filled with energy on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 2 as 260 people from throughout our community gathered for AM’s 6th annual “Lead the Way Home” Breakfast. This is the largest group we’ve ever had for our annual fundraiser! Guests included clergy and faith leaders, elected leaders and local judges, business people, those who work for other community service agencies, and many people of goodwill from all over Pierce County!
This year’s special guest was Rev. David Alger. During three decades of service as the Executive Director of AM, David effectively convened the local faith community to be in dialogue and relationship, and to spearhead innovative responses to many of our community’s great challenges. David continues to generously share his wisdom with all of us at AM and advocates for our ongoing efforts to serve the vulnerable; his warm words of friendship at the Breakfast and welcoming of two other past directors of AM (Bruce Foreman and Al Ratcliffe) made it feel like we were at a reunion of old friends!
Also during the gathering attendees heard from Byron and MacKenzie on video, and Sherry in person. They represented the 13,000 clients we interact with in our housing programs each year. Sherry shared a particularly compelling story of her year living on the streets, including insights into what it took for her to survive that challenging period in her life. AM was able to come alongside her and help her transition into permanent housing; she now works on the AM team helping others overcome homelessness just as she was able to do. Everyone at the Breakfast was riveted by Sherry’s unforgettable story of tragedy and triumph.
Each year we hold our Lead the Way Home Breakfast to inspire and encourage our friends who are committed to help build a stronger community. Generous financial gifts by many attendees energize our ability to impact lives and make lasting change happen. We were encouraged that there was record giving by those who came!
If you planned to attend but were unable to do so, and you’d like to support the important work of Associated Ministries, click here to donate online.
The support of so many in this community enables us to continue doing all that we can do to end the experience of family homelessness in Pierce County. Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended our Breakfast this year and helped us “Lead the Way Home”!