2015 Cooking for a Cause
On Sunday, September 27, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) hosted Cooking for a Cause, where chefs from local restaurants competed for the title of “Top Chef”. Event attendees voted through tips to select their favorite team, with all proceeds supporting the programs and services of CSSW.
Chefs from Zingerman’s Roadhouse, The Moveable Feast, Travis Pointe Country Club, Gratzi, Palio and Mezzavino wowed the crowd with delectable small plates prepared on site. The grand prize went to Travis Pointe Country Club for their Jonny “O” Corn Cake, with Moveable Feast’s Spice Seared Sea Scallop coming in as Runner Up. Guests also enjoyed cocktails, a raffle and live music.
CSSW would like to extend its gratitude to honorary chair Dan Huntsbarger of Moveable Feast, our esteemed chefs, Frutig Farms, and the sponsors, volunteers and guests that made this event possible.
To view the event slideshow, please click here or visit our event album.
2015 Hustle for Hope
On Saturday, June 6, CSSW held the first ever Hustle for Hope, a fun run-walk to benefit children at-risk. It was a successful first year, complete with a 1.65 mile walk, kids activities, sunshine and 80s gear. All proceeds from the event will benefit Nurturing Families Washtenaw and the Washtenaw Child Advocacy center.
Click here to view event photos.
2014 Painting A Brighter Future For Those In Need
The night was rich with sound and color at the annual CSSW fall event on October 10. Thanks to event chairs Dr. Terry and Mrs. Constance Timm and honorary chairs Drs. Mark and Deborah Oberdoerster, more than 130 guests shared in the festive celebration at the beautiful Stone Arch Events Center in Saline. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed the sophisticated sounds of the Greg Simon Trio and the dazzling, energetic speed painter Tim Decker along with a buffet of savory autumn appetizers and an opportunity to bid on dozens of wonderful auction items.
The real stars of the evening were the big hearted guests and donors who raised more than $95,000 to support CSSW programs. Dr. Susan Goold compelled the room to think compassionately and give generously — sharing her first hand experience working with FUSE clients. Event Auctioneer Tim Patton closed the evening with a spirited paddle-ask auction. It was an inspiration to see the guests respond with generous gifts for the vulnerable and marginalized who are served by CSSW. Thank you to all who helped make this event a success!
Click here to view event photos.
2014 Chip In Fore Children
This year’s Chip-In Fore Children golf outing on June 9 had perfect weather, a gorgeous course at Travis Pointe Country Club, generous participants, and just the right amount of smack talk between golfers to make it a wonderful event! Raising more than $23,000 to benefit the Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center and The Father Patrick Jackson House, guests participated in prize raffles and various contests throughout the day.
A special thanks to committee member Bill Price and Dr. Bethany Mohr from the UM Child Protection Team for emceeing the afternoon’s program. We are also grateful to our generous sponsors and prize donors for helping to make the outing a success.
Click here to view event photos.
2014 Father Pat’s Feast
Sunday, March 9, the Father Pat Jackson House celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a Feast that would have made the Irish proud! Paesano’s beautifully recreated traditional Irish fare into festive small plate dishes while Grizzly Peak Brewery provided the tasty pints. The beautiful space at St. Francis of Assissi Church was made even more authentic by the jaunty fiddling of Kate Outterbridge strolling through the crowd.
It was an important time to remember this common purpose we share as a community, made even more meaningful by the stories from residents past and the heart-felt words from our event chairs, Joe Easthope and Brian Kelley. For the last six years, Joe and Brian have spear-headed the Feast celebration to raise support for the Father Pat Jackson House. This was their last year to co-chair the event and their dedication, tireless work, and positive energy will be missed.
CSSW and Father Pat’s sends a special word of thanks to Scott Wright at St. Francis for his gentle presence and ferocious organizing skills. This event drove home the power of a community united and working together in a shared purpose. Thank you to everyone who attended or supported the event and the ongoing legacy of Father Pat Jackson.
Click here to view event photos.
2013 Score A Touchdown For CSSW
Over 130 people came to tailgate for CSSW on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Barton Hills Country Club. The event featured a winning lineup of football friendly food and drinks, camaraderie and the Detroit Lions beating the Cleveland Browns.
Thanks to the generous donations of several area community members and businesses, our raffle featured great prizes, from dinner and salon gift cards to sporting event tickets and wine baskets. Additionally, a special thank you to Dr. Kim Eagle, who did a wonderful job acting as our auctioneer! Several spectacular prizes went home with very lucky bidders!
Click here to view event photos.
2013 Chip In Fore Children
Our annual golf outing took place on July 22. This year, twenty teams participated to help raise money for The Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center and Father Patrick Jackson House. The event took place at Travis Pointe, and included eighteen holes of golf, chipping and hole in one contests, raffles and a live auction. Jim Brandstatter, Color Analyst for the Lions, acted as emcee, keeping participants engaged with jokes and stories.
The event was highlighted by the announcement of the Harbaugh Grant, a $10,000 grant, split evently between the two programs. We were blown away by the generosity of the participants and community that made this event such a success!
Click here to view photos of the event.
2013 RSVP Luncheon
The 40th annual RSVP luncheon took place on June 13. Members of the senior volunteer program enjoyed lunch, musical entertainment provided by their peers, a presentation from guest speaker Tara Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator for Matthei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Several special recognition awards were presented to volunteers. The event concluded with a raffle, thanks to the generosity of several community donors.
2013 Board Member Luncheon & Recognition Wall Unveiling
On June 12, current and former board members gathered together for a luncheon that included CSSW updates and a beautiful tribute to John DeVine shared by Dottie Farhat.
“How fortunate CSSW has been to have had such a leader who saw a need and had the courage and intelligence to go forward and do something worthwhile about it. With humor, perseverance, desire and humility he was able to accomplish much.” -Dottie Farhat, Emeritus Trustee
Following the luncheon, the new CSSW Recognition Wall was unveiled in the main lobby. The wall was created to honor the leadership and generosity of our board members, presidents and community. Be sure to check it out next time you are at the Packard Office!