The Season of Gratitude

Over the years, I have written about gratitude as a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. “A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity.” As our “community” heads into the sacred season of counting our blessings and giving back to others, so too are all of us at The Community House, our leadership, staff and TCH beneficiaries counting our blessings. For it is without all our cherished supporters – our donors, corporate sponsors, class takers, child-care families, event guests, community partners, dancers, travelers, and our dedicated corps of volunteers – that our work would not be made possible. Saying “thank you” never seems to be enough, but it’s a place to start. As a 97-year old non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, The Community House relies solely on the kindness and generosity of others to deliver on our mission and to provide the community critical programs and services, programs and services which benefit and enrich the lives of others in our great community – some, without the ability to pay. It is during this season of gratitude that The Community House pauses to humbly acknowledge and remember the many kindnesses and extraordinary generosity from those that have been entrusted with much...and to offer all of you, from all of us – a big “Thank You.” Happy Holidays! END OF THE YEAR GIVING – THE COMMUNITY HOUSE ANNUAL FUND APPEAL I am often asked “What is an Annual Fund appeal and why is it so important?” In the simplest of terms, it is an annual appeal that helps non-profits cover their everyday expenses. Since other fundraising efforts (like grants and major gifts) are usually intended (restricted) for specific purposes, an annual fund allows non-profits to have restricted funds designated toward general operations. Since the end of the calendar tax year is almost upon us, it’s our cherished donors and partners “last chance” to support our 2019 Annual Fund Appeal Drive and still take advantage of any 2019 tax-deductible write-offs allowed. By giving a tax-deductible gift to The Community House today, your vital generosity will help ensure that the historic Community House can remain the nearly century-old cultural, educational and community resource that thousands of individuals rely upon each year. For your convenience, there are several ways to make a gift to The Community House Annual Fund Appeal today – you can send a donation by mail, give online at communityhouse.com/donate or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248.594.6417. Please help us help others. ANNOUNCING… The historic Community House is delighted to announce the grand opening of its new Rossiter Board Room. Dedicated to extraordinary business and beloved community volunteers, Pam & Bob Rossiter, the Rossiter Board Room is now open for your holiday business. The Community House unveiled this new meeting and private dining space to its collection in September. When it comes to private meetings for business, community engagements, or just about any other occasion, the Rossiter Board Room will far exceed your finest expectations. The Rossiter Board Room boasts cherry finishes, a working fireplace, state-of-the-art technology, windows overlooking Shain Park, concierge service, a customized menu and many more first-class amenities. For more information or for a tour, please contact Tim Hunt, vice president of Hospitality Operations at thunt@communityhouse.com. SAVE THE DATE – THE 2020 BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER The Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Director. In 2020, the Bates Street Society and the Bates Street Society Dinner will celebrate its fifth anniversary. To help celebrate this special milestone, Mr. Huel Perkins, iconic broadcast journalist and American news anchor, will assume the role of Master of Ceremonies. The Bates Street Society Dinner will also recognize TCH/TCHF’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Wellness and Philanthropy. 2020 Pillar of Vibrancy Honorees include: • Mary Kramer, Crain’s Communications – Business • Christine and David T. Provost, TCF Bank – Philanthropy • Hannan Lis, The WW Group Inc. / Lis Ventures LLC / GSH Group LLC – Wellness • Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., Oakland University – Education • Keith Pomeroy, Pomeroy Living LLC / Pomeroy Family Holdings – Wellness & Philanthropy • Margaret Cooney Casey, Beaumont Foundation at Beaumont Hospitals – Philanthropy • Brian Berman, M.D., Beaumont Health System / Beaumont Children’s Hospital – Wellness • Linda Solomon, Pictures of Hope / Linda Solomon Photography – Culture & Philanthropy 2020 President’s Community Leadership Awardees: Rose & Brian Bolyard, Bolyard Lumber Company Save-the-Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020. Seating is limited. Tickets on sale now. For reservations, tickets or more information about these and other happenings at TCH, please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832. William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.