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Recent Past Events
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May 28, 2010
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The Postal Food Drive was held on May 8. Several volunteers from Genesis House helped sort the food.
On May 28, volunteers unloaded and sorted through boxed goods from the food drive.
Next month we will be getting canned goods. |
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May 2, 2010
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The 5th Annual Genesis House Golf Tournament at Suntree Country Club was a great success!
We had 144 golfers play. Two teams tied with a winning score of 55 (17 under par). A tie breaker gave the win to John Hopkins' team.
Prizes were also given to Closest
to the Pin winners: Nancy Crawford & Nick Lindheim, Longest Drive: Connie Rummel & Terry Naberhaus,
and Closest to the Line: Michelle Tharp & Cary Lescure. (See
photo gallery and
video clips.)
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April 17, 2010
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Genesis House had a table at the 4th Annual Spring Festival at
The Centre at Suntree. It was good publicity for
Genesis House. A lot of Genesis House brochures and golf tournament
information was passed out. Several new people signed up to receive our
annual newsletter. You can view a video of the event at
http://www.vimeo.com/11031042.
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April 15, 2010
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A group from
Community Christian School did yard work and helped organize the
"Free Boutique" at Genesis House I.
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March 17, 2010
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Riverside National Bank
presented Genesis House with a check for $700.
This money was the proceeds of their change machine.
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March 12, 2010
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Camelot Quilters, of the Camelot RV Park, presented Genesis House with 36 beautiful quilts.
They also donated 36 quilts to the Shriners' Children's Hospital.
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March 8, 2010
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Rachael Kennedy, a Senior at Edgewood High School, chose to use Genesis House as the
focus of her Senior Project. Her project is titled "Teen Pregnancy Awareness Fundraiser."
Rachael collected diapers, paper products, toiletries, pillows, laundry baskets, shower totes,
cleaning products, laundry products, twin sheets, receiving blankets, mattress protector,
towels, infant clothing, various baby products, and a beautiful crib/youth bed.
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February 20, 2010
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The Winter Wonderland event was held this day at the Imperial Plaza in Suntree. Genesis House
had a table set up to publicize our shelter homes. We collected about 20 new names and addresses
for the mailing list for our annual newsletter. We also made a small amount
of money selling cookies.
Click here
to see a video of the event.
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February 5, 2009
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A dozen volunteers addressed envelopes for a "Virtual" Valentine Dinner Party.
The envelopes contained a tea bag and the request "Select what you would like for
your imaginary dinner, add up the costs, and write a check
for that amount to Genesis House." The cards, envelopes, and printing were donated by
Jan Hill and Rich Milliard of Wells
Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Bigelow Tea Company gave us
a generous discount on the tea bags.
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December 17, 2009
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The Genesis House Christmas Party for residents, staff, and volunteers was held
at the First United Methodist Church, Melbourne. (See photos.)
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December 17, 2009
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Natasha, a resident of the student house, GH II, graduated this day with an AA degree from Brevard
Community College.
Vonnie, Rebecca, Henny, Rachael and her baby Sophia, and Erica and her
daughter Marissa sat in the upper tier and cheered for Natasha as she received her diploma.
Her mother came up from
South Florida, and her little daughter Julia was there, too. (Rebecca is the House Manager of
the student house. Henny is GH I House Manager. Rachael and Erica are residents of the
student house.) Congratulations, Natasha!
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December 15, 2009
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The first annual Women in Art Christmas Pot Luck Lunch was held at Beth-Anne Fairchild's art studio,
corner of Highland Avenue and Creel Street in Eau Gallie. Instead of the traditional gift exchanging,
guests brought gifts for Genesis House from our recent Needs list. Vonnie, Genesis House administrator,
and volunteer Julie attended and accepted the gifts on behalf of Genesis House.
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December 12, 2009
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A small army of volunteers and Genesis House staff gathered at GH I to wrap
Christmas gifts for residents and their children. Henny, the GH I House Manager, prepared
snacks for the group. Susie, from the Junior League of South Brevard donated lots of wrapping
paper and ribbons. Wrapping was carried on in the living room, dining room, front
porch, and back patio. With so much great help, the wrapping was all wrapped up in less than
three hours!
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November 21-22, 2009
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Genesis House was invited to participate in this year's "Festival of Trees," organized
by the Junior League of South Brevard
and held in the King Center for the Performing Arts.
Genesis House was one of 14 "Angels Among Us"
charities who set up tables offering information, items for sale, and crafts for
children. We sold several kinds of cookies, pumpkin rolls (see
recipe), and "Keep Christ in Christmas" magnetic signs.
We also sold raffle tickets for two beautiful quilts donated by the Seaside Piecemakers.
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November 18, 2009
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The Red Hat Chili Peppers met at a luncheon and presented Genesis House with Christmas gifts
for the residents and their children. Volunteer Julie attended and made a brief presentation
about Genesis House and its mission.
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November 14, 2009
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The ladies of
Grace Fellowship Church,
Rockledge, held a baby shower for the benefit of Genesis House.
It was a real baby shower with games and goodies. Many items from our Needs list were donated. They also
had raffles with the proceeds going to Genesis House. They raised over $440 in cash.
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November 14 & 21, 2009
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The group of volunteers from the
Covenant Presbyterian Church, Palm Bay,
who worked at GH I the
previous Saturday, Nov. 7, returned on Nov. 14 & 21 to put in a new sink and plumbing in the Genesis House I
upstairs bathroom and re-plumbed the kitchen sink, which was a mess. They finished trimming the
paint downstairs. It all looks wonderful! They also bought and installed a new two-oven,
glass-top stove for GH I. They raked and put in mulch at GH I in the back and on the playground.
And they built two new picnic tables for GH II. Henny, the GH I House Manager, made lunch for
the volunteers all three Saturdays.
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November 14, 2009
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Our Case Manager, Dona, and a group of Genesis House volunteers helped sort food at the Boy Scout
Food Drive, held in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, corner of Eau Gallie Blvd and A1A (see
photos).
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November 9, 2009
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The 2009 Newsletter was mailed out (over 2,600 recipients)
on November 9 and is now available online in color.
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November 7, 2009
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A group of volunteers from the
Covenant Presbyterian Church, Palm Bay,
did a lot of work at
Genesis House I, including painting woodwork, closets, and bookcases, replacing the steps to the basement,
and building two large picnic tables. Henny, the House Manager, fixed a big lunch for the crew
(see photos).
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November 7, 2009
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Genesis House participated in "Charity Day" at Belk's and the "Big Fat Greek Market Place" at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church. Julie and Gina sat at tables at Belks.
Shoppers bought $5 coupons that entitled them to $5 discount on merchandise, with the $5 going to participating charities.
Vonnie and Amanda sat at a table at St. Katherine's that displayed Genesis House photos and information. They raffled off a quilt
donated by the Seaside Piecemakers quilting club.
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September 26, 2009
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A youth group from
Faith Baptist Church, Palm Bay,
did yard work and mulching at Genesis House III.
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September 17, 2009
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Bionic Beauty (Jami Shopf) recently held an online
auction of beauty products.
The auction benefited Genesis House and another charity. The auction raised over $200 for Genesis House.
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September 16, 2009
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The Knights of Columbus presented a $4,700 check to Mary Allen from the annual Run for Life Campaign. The check was
presented by Don Carothers, the District Grand Knight, and other Grand Knights or their representatives.
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September 8, 2009
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The Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 7408 Ladies Auxiliary
held their annual baby shower for Genesis House this day. We received
diapers, wipes, baby powder, baby shampoo, baby oil, bottles, bath
towels, sippy cups, stroller, blankets, beautiful hand-made baby booties,
caps & burp cloths, and $75 in cash donations. Mary spoke to the group
and answered questions. Vonnie and resident Lori also attended and were
served a wonderful lunch.
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August 26, 2009
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Long-time donor Barbara Bockelman brought her new pastor, Cynthia Werner, over to the houses today to find out
what type of volunteer help we need. Joy Lutheran Church recently took up a collection for Genesis House,
and Barbara presented a donation check to our director, Mary Allen.
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July 23, 2009
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Published updated Genesis House
brochure.
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July 21-23, 2009
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A youth group from the Aloma United Methodist Church, Winter Park, spruced up the grounds
of Genesis House 1. They weeded, repaired the mulch under the children's swing set,
added decorative plants along the front, and put in mulch.
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July 4, 2009
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A quilt donated by the Seaside Piecemakers Club was raffled off at a
Fourth of July Party/Fundraiser held at Siggy's An American Bar, Palm Bay.
Proceeds went to Genesis House.
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June 16, 2009
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Genesis House volunteer Beverly Bennett, who is a professional photographer
(Beverly Bennet Photography),
does photos free for all residents, gives them an 8x10 picture, some wallet sizes,
and a DVD with all the shots on it so they can email or print them. Recently
Mary Allen was present when Beverly was photographing a resident and her baby;
Beverly put Mary in the picture, resulting in this beautiful photograph.
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June 15, 2009
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Photos were taken of various updates to the houses, including a new concrete deck at GH II,
remodeled kitchen at GH II, new dining table at GH III, and remodeled garage/storage room
at GH I. After The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked to remodel the interior of
the GH I garage, Dona's husband Richard put down vinyl flooring and installed shelves. (See
photos.)
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June 12, 2009
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Orlando Channel 6 WKMG-TV interviewed Mary Allen and a resident for their "Good News" segment.
You can view the broadcast video at:
clickorlando.com/video/19740331/.
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May 30, 2009
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Dr. Claire Stagg-Ruda threw herself a big birthday party and requested donations for Genesis House
and Daily Bread. Genesis House received donations of clothing and cash.
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May 30, 2009
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The annual Golf Tournament was a big success. Sixty-two players participated and over $7000 was raised
for Genesis House. (See
photo gallery.)
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May 19, 2009
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Mary and Vonnie attended a luncheon hosted by the New Neighbors Club
of South Brevard Beaches.
Checks for $3,025 each were presented to Genesis House
and Meals on Wheels. The New Neighbors Club raised the money over the past year
from many fund raising activities. The checks were presented by
out-going President Pat Magyar and Social Services Chairwoman Kathy Brackett.
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May 16, 2009
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Volunteers from Calvary Chapel, West Melbourne, worked at Genesis House II.
They painted the ceiling and walls and installed a new light and fan in the kitchen,
painted the dining room, and replaced screening on the back porch.
The volunteers were: Paul Russo, Paul Williams, Bronco Johnson, Jim Lambright,
David & Kathy Nash, Lynn Stedham, and Dan Philpot and his children Jack and Emily.
Our Maintenance Man Richard Jones was there to oversee and provide tools and support.
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May 2, 2009
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Several Genesis House volunteers supported Open Arms Community Day
held at the Melbourne Mall.
The event was an opportunity for local organizations to provide information on what they
can do for the community. Several items were raffled off, Mother's Day cards were taken,
and 10 people signed up to receive our annual newsletter.
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April 26, 2009
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For the Interfaith Workday of Service, a group of volunteers from The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked to remodel the interior
of the garage (storage room) at GH I. Their State President, J.D. Humphries, stopped by
to help and encourage. FloridaToday sent someone to take pictures and
get information. And someone from the LDS Media came by and did film
interviews with Vonnie and the workers.
It was a really long day, starting at 8 a.m.
and ending at 10:30 p.m. The group ran into problems right away.
Many of the boards were so eaten up by past termite damage that they
had to build structure to attach the new paneling. They did not get to
finish all that they had hoped. The room still needs molding put in
and the vinyl floor needs to be laid. It was a wonderful group,
fun to be around even though the day ran 5 hours longer than planned.
We will try to find another group to complete the work.
Workers were Russell Flamm, Larry Phillips, Mike Witherspoon, Justin Planinz
and family (mom Tracey and daughters Nina and Emilee). Kevin came in to
help get the job finished.
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April 26, 2009
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Another Interfaith Workday of Service project: A group of volunteers from
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints painted the exterior trim on
GH II and the Birthright Office (located behind GH II), making both buildings
look much better. Volunteers were Jim, Jason, Keven, & Tanner Campbell, Judd
Simms, Christian Jacobson, Beady Meek, Eric Beaty,
Brent Woodward, Keith Bundy, and Tris Curry.
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April 24, 2009
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Vonnie attended the Eastminster Presbyterian Springtime Tea. There were 164 ladies there. Proceeds
from the tea are being split between Genesis House and three other local charities. Marsha Foote was
the Hostess at Vonnie's table (that's Marsha standing in the photo).
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April 21, 2009
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Genesis House was awarded a $2,000 grant by the
Junior League of South Brevard.
The grant is to help with child care and summer camp.
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April 12, 2009
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St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community's Lenten Project concluded this Easter Sunday.
Through their very generous almsgivings, the church community satisfied a great number of the everyday needs
of Genesis House.
Monetary donations included cash, gift cards, and bus passes with a total value of $1,330. They also donated
almost 1300 other items, including household cleaning supplies, laundry detergent & bleach,
paper towels, napkins, paper plates, bathroom tissue, bath mats, diapers, baby wipes,
baby & children clothing, stuffed animals, toys, area rugs, doormats, dust mops,
laundry baskets, plastic storage bins, bed pillows (38 of them!), bed sheets, mattress protectors, crib sheets,
kitchen storage containers, bath towels (52!), hand towels (50!), wash cloths, outdoor mats, baby blankets,
personal & cosmetic items, baby bath items, frying pan, crock pot, hand can openers, electric can openers, toaster oven,
glass cookware set, 18-qt roaster oven, high chair, infant booties & socks, and assorted dry & canned foods.
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April 1, 2009
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The Seaside Piecemakers,
a quilting group located in Satellite Beach,
created five beautiful quilts for five children of five residents
of Genesis House. The quilts were especially designed for these particular children.
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March 11, 2009
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A recent issue of The Florida Catholic/Orlando Diocese has an article about a shelter
home for pregnant women established in Deland by Father Thomas Connery, pastor of St. Peter Parish.
The shelter home, called Visitation House, is in the former convent of the Sisters of Mercy. The woman
who runs the home recently toured Genesis House with Mary Allen. See the online
article.
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February 18, 2009
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Gloria, a young resident of Genesis House II, got into the Christmas spirit last December
and made Christmas
wreaths for the local fire department, a veterans group, Birthright, Harbor City Elementary School,
and Genesis House. She also baked Valentine cookies for the fire department and Genesis House.
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February 15, 2009
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The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery held a shower for Genesis House.
Donated items were presented to
Mary Allen by Renee Decator and Beth Anne Fairchild. The idea for the Art Gallery fund raisers
started with Renee and Beth Anne. Beth Anne is on the Genesis House Advisory Board.
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February 13, 2009
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Kindergarten classes at Manatee Elementary School held a Valentine collection for Genesis House.
The idea began with Jennifer Teem's kindergarten
class and then quickly spread to all the other kindergarten teachers and classes--160 children in all. The children
brought in donations of baby products, clothing, diapers, and many other useful items. Vonnie Marian, Genesis House
Administrator, accepted the donations, which filled 3 cars!
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February 6, 2009
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The opening reception for the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery's art exhibition to benefit
Genesis House was held.
(See
photo gallery.)
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February 2, 2009
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About a dozen volunteers addressed envelopes for a "Virtual" Valentine Dinner Party.
The envelopes contained a tea bag and the request "Select what you would like for
your imaginary dinner, add up the costs, and write a check
for that amount to Genesis House."
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January 29, 2009
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The Covenant Christian School Christian/Christian Growth Week Group, led by Brian Cieslak, weeded and cleaned yards at Genesis House I & II.
This is the second year that they chose to help Genesis House.
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January 17, 2009
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A new shed was put up in the playground area at Genesis House I.
The slab for the shed was donated by Don Bo Concrete. Volunteers Ralph
and Sonja Morgan drew up the plans for the permit, put the shed together,
and secured it to the slab.
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January 17, 2009
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Donna, Barbara, and Evan from the Ministries Day of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Satellite Beach did a great job
cleaning up the play area at Genesis House II.
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December 14, 2008
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The Youth Group (ETHOS) from Patrick AFB Protestant Chapel painted the entire
fence (inside & out) at Genesis House II.
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December 9, 2008
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The Genesis House Christmas Party was held at the First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
(see
photo gallery).
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November 11, 2008
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The Genesis House newsletter for 2008 was mailed to over 2700 recipients
(see
facsimile of the newsletter).
Please contact us if you would like to add your name and address to our mailing list.
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November 8, 2008
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Genesis House helped sort food collected during the Boy Scouts Food Drive.
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September 9, 2008
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The Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Columbus Council #778 gave a Baby Shower for Genesis House.
Mary Allen spoke at the gathering. Afterwards lunch and cake were served. Gifts included
a high chair, many beautiful hand-made baby afghans, baby outfits, bottles, and other nice baby items.
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July 31, 2008
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Florida Knights of Columbus Charities presented a check for $3000 to Genesis House. The money was collected during the Run for Life,
a part of the Florida Knights of Columbus Charities.
The run is an annual event, starting in Homestead and ending 350 miles and 9 days
later in St. Augustine. The runners stop at
Catholic Parishes along the route and speak. This is the second year we have received these funds. The presentation was made to
Mary Allen by the Region 10 Coordinator, Frank Montelione, at the Father Gabriel K of C Hall.
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July 31, 2008
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Two ladies from Riverside Bank toured Genesis House II & III and gave $10 Wal-Mart gift cards
to each of our residents. This is part of a program called Riverside Random Acts of Caring.
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July 7 & 10, 2008
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Aquarina Golf Course Charity Days, benefiting Genesis House, raised a total of $478, including $254 from raffles and donations.
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June 11, 2008
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Fifth-grade students at Riviera Elementary
in Palm Bay, during their "Sew What" project, made four quilts and donated them to
Genesis House and three other local charities. (See a
scan of the FloridaToday article.)
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June 8, 2008
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The 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, benefiting Genesis House, was a big success.
Sixty-seven golfers participated in the event, which brought in $7,000 after costs.
David Eldridge, who was the 1st-place winner, donated his winnings to Genesis House.
Many thanks to Siggy's An American Bar and The Cove Restaurant and all the other generous
sponsors of the tournament.
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May 11, 2008
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Special Mother's Day cards were placed in seven local churches. These cards were for donations to
Genesis House in honor or in memory of a mother. A total of almost $4,000 was raised by the cards.
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May 10, 2008
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The Kendyll Ryann Bliss Memorial Birthday Party raised almost $1,400 in donations to Genesis House.
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April 30, 2008
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Revised Genesis House
brochure published.
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November 14, 2007
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Genesis House 2007 Christmas Newsletter published and mailed.
Facsimiles of the newsletter (pdf):
page 1 and
page 2.
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September 11, 2007
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Rockledge
presented Genesis House with 100 bags of toiletries for women and children,
20 cases of food, and a $500 check from Wal-Mart.
Mary Allen, Genesis House Director, gave a short talk and answered questions. Music,
prayers, and wonderful home-made breads followed.
Attendees at the presentation representing Genesis House
included
Mary and her husband Ken, Dona (Case Manager), Lisa
(GH III House Manager), Bob Gunther (Board Member), Vonnie (Administrator), and several Genesis House residents.
Church representatives attending included J.D. Humphreys, Stake President; Susan Bragonje, Relief Society President;
Liz Tarpin, 1st Counselor in Relief Society Presidency; Liz Libbey, 2nd Counselor in Relief Society Presidency; and
Rosemary Gifford, Secretary Relief Society.
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September 11, 2007
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Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, St. Joseph Council 7408
held a Baby Shower to benefit Genesis House.
They presented Genesis House
with $30, many beautiful hand-made blankets, baby clothing, diapers, powder, lotion, and
miscellaneous baby items.
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January 19, 2007
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Article in Hometown News about Genesis House.
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