NEWS

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New Employee at Crossover

On October 1, 2005 Crossover Downtown Outreach hired Denise Hunt to take over as Development Director. She will succeed Cal Meyers who served in this position for the past 14 years. Hunt was formerly Development Manager for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. She and her husband Rich live in Mott Park and attend New Community Church of God. Both are very active in the church and are blessed to be a part of Crossover’s wonderful ministry.

Christmas Update

This year Crossover was able to help 80 families fulfill their Christmas wishes. Parents gave their Christmas wish list to Crossover and then volunteers began wrapping gifts starting in November. Parents also received gifts for themselves and food certificates in their packages. Gifts were picked up the week before Christmas.

More than 350 individuals were help with Christmas this year!

Building Progress Report

As many of you already know Crossover has a space issue down at the dock area. In order to better serve clients, and to better utilize the space we already have, we are expanding the Pantry, dock area and moving some things around to make it more functional.

This project will be covered by a special grant given to Crossover.

Feinstein Challenge

Make your dollars go further using Crossover’s partnership with the Feinstein challenge. For the ninth straight year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide using it to help them raise funds.

WHATEVER DONATION YOU MAKE TO CROSSOVER FROM MARCH 1ST TO APRIL 30TH THE MORE OF THE FEINSTEIN MONEY WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR DONATION.

Why is he doing this? Feinstein writes:

"Because I believe each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need. This has become the greatest grass roots campaign ever to fight hunger in our country. Your donation makes you a partner in it with me! My money started this campaign but it is YOU who will help decide how many needy people in Flint will be fed this year. I’m only here to give you some support and to remind you of something I know you hold dear: That all that will matter to us someday is what we did while we were here to help those who needed us. Thank you for sharing my heart, and the hope that –- someday no one will ever go hungry."

A Note from Cal Meyers

Our sincere thanks go out to the many friends who wished us well upon our retirement on December 31st, for the lovely party held in our honor and the wonderful gifts. It was a warm and memorable evening. We cherish the many lasting friendships we made during our 14 years of service to Crossover, and will continue to serve as volunteers. We love you all and pray that God will continue to bless this ministry.

Cal and Kay Meyers

New Advisory Board Members

Crossover would like to welcome Cal Meyers, former Director of Development here at Crossover and Reverend Douglas Mercer to the Advisory Board. We appreciate their willingness to serve and their dedication to Crossover’s mission of helping the less fortunate in our community.

Cal Meyers, Fund Development Officer to Resign December 31, 2005

Cal Meyers, Crossover's Development Officer resigned the position effective December 31st of 2005. Cal joined Crossover's staff October 1st, 1992, approximately one year after the charity was organized, as its first Development Director.

During his 13-year tenure, Cal designed, implemented and managed a fundraising program that resulted in generating a total of 1.5 million dollars, including $125,000 to purchase Crossover's headquarters building and make many major building improvements. He was previously employed by the Boy Scouts of America in a similar position.

Feinstein Foundation Helps Crossover Fight Hunger

The total raised from the Feinstein Foundation to Fight Hunger in America campaign this year was an astonishing $133 million! Because of this great success, each participating agency's share of the $1 million challenge grant is quite small. But it succeeded famously in the goal to give participating agencies a way to raise donations at a usually very lean time of the year. Crossover's share of the $1 million dollar challenge grant this year is $333. We thank our donors. You are partners in what has become the most successful campaign ever to fight hunger in America, and in our city.

Crossover Searching for Fund Raising Director

A search committee is seeking applicants for the position of Fund Development Director on Crossover's staff. This is a part-time paying position. Responsibilities include carrying out an already-established plan to generate operating funds. Knowledge of the community, people skills, and writing ability desirable. On-the-job training available. If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be interested, please contact Brenda Woods at 810.234.2479.

Crossover Awarded Grants

Crossover is the recipient this year of grants in the amount of $1,500 from the Mary Good Trust and $5,000 from the Rosalynn Chapel Fund, both administered by the Missions Work Area at Court St. United Methodist Church. We are most grateful for this support of this ministry that is helping the poorest of the poor in our community.