First Place fundraiser leaves its guests singing, too

A happy crowd of more than 200 packed St. Mary’s Parish Hall May 16 for the annual Picnic Supper for First Place Family Center. Guests dined on hamburgers cooked to perfection by the Knights of Columbus, and festive side dishes and decadent desserts prepared by individual table hosts. Nearly 20 community members stepped up to host tables, prepare food, and rally friends in support of the 500 families, on average, that turn to First Place for emergency services each year.

The UO’s Divisi kept the audience spellbound with beboxing and sweet harmony, and a brave mom described her experience of being homeless with two kids and a third on the way, searching for the help she ultimately received at First Place.

First Place’s own UO intern, Cece Fuleki, unveiled her social services project of late: The Friends of First Place donors’ club. Friends donate $42 per month, enough to cover one family for two weeks as its members rely on First Place for daily necessities, the means to keep their kids in school, and advocacy in many categories.

The “Greek gods” must be crazy about First Place. They are, back from left, Linda Davis, Ann and Andy Elliott, and Gene Davis. Front from left are Pat Wren, Cathy Shafer, and JoAnn Ohlhauser. Their table was declared the best decorated of the event.

Friends of First Place receive special invitations and updates throughout the year.  Cece also incorporated a business component and went door-to-door seeking sponsors.

Cece’s efforts are paying off, with Friends of First Place membership hovering around a dozen and growing.

Karen McCowan, the Register-Guard reporter who launched Picnic Supper five years ago, described the holiday assignment that inspired her. She entered the facility to find it packed with gifts and other donations, and she couldn’t help but wonder how First Place fared during the less festive months.

What then?

Thanks to our Picnic Supper's major sponsors!

“Then” relies heavily on fundraisers such as Picnic Supper and, in November, its more elaborate counterpart Dinner Theatre. Mark your calendar for this year’s gala event, set for Wednesday, November 7 at the Eugene Hilton and featuring Steve Killgore and his Hole In The Wall band. For more information call 541-743-7144.

Need more convincing? Check out the reactions from these Picnic Supper guests!