The Morning Blend
Welcome
Complete Media Kit
HERALD/REVIEW
SIERRA VISTA — For the third year, area residents had some good eating, while helping a homeless shelter raise about $5,000.
The Good Neighbor Alliance, a homeless shelter for men, women, and families with children, celebrated its third annual Administrative Professionals Luncheon on Wednesday. Acting as gracious hosts, the Outback Steakhouse restaurant volunteered its staff and facilities for the feast, which has become an important fundraiser for the shelter, bringing more than 200 people to the event.
Sierra Vista Flowers added a spring touch by donating dozens of flowers to be used as corsages for sale — which were stitched to perfection by volunteers, staff and current shelter guests.
 Kathy Calabrese, director of the Good Neighbor Alliance, gets a hug during a fundraiser for GNA at the Outback Steakhouse, which donates all the money raised to the homeless shelter. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review) |
Many local businesses took the opportunity to thank their administrative staff by taking them out to the luncheon.
“It’s a two-fold event for us. Every penny we get helps keep the shelter doors open. And it’s also an opportunity for business people to thank their co-workers. It is one of the only big events in Sierra Vista that celebrates administrative professionals,” said Kathy Calabrese, Good Neighbor Alliance executive director.
Administrative Professionals Day is an annual celebration to honor those working in the office support occupations, and their expanding role in the work force.
“We do this to be a part of the community. And it’s a chance for businesses to recognize their staff. It’s easy to contribute, and help make a difference,” said Michael Cieszinski, owner of Outback Steakhouse in Sierra Vista.
Although not normally open during the lunch hour, the restaurant staff donated their time and tips to the shelter, in addition to a menu of salad, chicken and barbecue ribs.
“Hopefully we can help a few more people start to think in a giving way. It’s easier to make a difference if you try, and the Good Neighbor Alliance is a fantastic cause. Our customers make a difference, and we are the vehicle,” he added.
The money will be used to promote several of the shelter’s programs, including an effort to improve their computer training courses to help homeless guests be more employable. The training teaches participants about the Internet, e-mail, building a resume, and using basic office applications. The computer program got a boost recently when the city of Sierra Vista provided 10 laptops for the shelter.
Good Neighbor Alliance also has been working on their day program, something shelter staff hope to see become fully operational. To do so, the shelter would need more volunteers during office hours Monday through Friday.
A big success for the shelter came recently when their first-ever Shelter from the Storms of Life Banquet received rave reviews. Hosted at the Knights of Columbus hall, hundreds of guests were treated to an evening of entertainment from expert Elvis Presley impersonator Johnny Jones.
The next fundraiser for the shelter, a mini-golf tournament with prizes, will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 8 at Ball Four on South Highway 92. For information about Good Neighbor Alliance, call the shelter at 439-0776, or send e-mail to gnashelter@qwest.net.
herald/review reporter Fiona de Young can be reached at 515-4682, or by e-mail at fiona.deyoung@svherald.com.
Patty wrote on Jan 18, 2009 10:40 PM: