October 2024
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SCROLL TO READ THIS MONTH'S STORIES
Driving Our Mission Forward
Donor's Corner
Caught in the Act
Meet Beth Doyle
ICYMI
Congratulations Father Wright
Christmas Party Gift Card Drive
Serving Team Calendar
Memorials
This Month's Needs
Leaving a Legacy
DRIVING OUR MISSION FORWARD: 6th Annual Golf Tournament is a Resounding Success
BY V.C. SMITH
Under the clouds of a hazy Wednesday morning, two dozen staff and volunteers arrived at Goat Hill Park to set the stage for this year’s 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. As golfers checked in and checked out the silent auction offerings, Shawn Styles, reporter for CBS8/KFMB-TV, interviewed Executive Director, Paul (Mac) McNamara, and world champion surfer, Kelly Slater. When players finally took their spots for the shotgun start, the clouds had cleared. The atmosphere buzzed with friendly and competitive energy.
This year’s fundraising goal was simple – to surpass last year. While the final financial report is not yet complete, we are confident this was accomplished by a wide margin thanks to a matching donation by an anonymous supporter.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported us this year - our generous sponsors, underwriters, auction donors, financial supporters, and golfers. Without these generous individuals and businesses, we simply could not have reached our fundraising goal.
We are also honored to once again have had the support of surfing legend Kelly Slater. His participation generated additional enthusiasm and attracted golfers from the surfing community. In addition, we were thrilled to welcome two teams of active-duty marines from Camp Pendleton. Professional photographer, Todd Glaser, captured stunning photos and Kuney/Pearson captured video of players at the Hole-in-One contest. Links to the photos and videos are on our website golf page.
There is an adage that states, “The best work is often done by those who are invisible, working diligently behind the scenes.” This describes our tournament volunteers and committee members perfectly. This year’s committee members, led by Co-chairs Amy Selich and Chuy Reyna, included DinaMarie Ahee, Jeff Bizzack, Kathleen Diehlmann, Debra Drew, Linda Engstrom, Anna Meyer, Nita Rodriguez, Catherine Shaw, Belinda Smith, Susan Westlund and Elias Velazquez. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to Susan Somers, FM Marketing, for help with event publicity.
As the sun set on this remarkable event, it was clear - this day was a testament to the power of community. As we move forward, let us remember that our work is far from over. Your continued support is essential to ensure that we can continue to uplift the dignity of those in need. Thank you for driving our mission forward.
DONOR'S CORNER
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Donors of Brother Benno’s,
As I mentioned in the past, the staff has a charge to “capability build.” In practical terms, it means we need to review process, structure, organization etc. to not only meet the needs of our guests now but in the future. Unfortunately, the guest list continues to rise so the need is there. There isn’t an aspect of the Foundation that is not being looked at and in a number of cases changes are made. I don’t think anyone likes change, that much, I know I don’t. So I want to say thank you to all of you for your indulgence of the changes, and support of them.
In future columns I will give some more background on our various projects. I can say while we may not have talked to you individually, we do get feedback from everyone (donor, guest, volunteer, supporter, paid staff, etc,.) so don’t be shy in giving me your opinion on the direction we are going in. And if you have time, stop by my office and let’s chat.
One of the efforts you will see shortly is a more robust appeal for socks and underwear. It’s hard to keep up with the demand and so we are starting a campaign to increase awareness and ideally get some of those organizations that might collect e.g. can goods during Christmas time to switch to socks and underwear.
Finally, the Thrift Shop is still going through some changes. We need volunteers there, especially on the weekends. If you want to experience a little bit of retail, we would love for you to sign up.
So let me close with one of the great truths of our organization, we couldn’t do it without you, so, thank you and -
God bless you all!
Mac
CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Community Partners, Supporters & Volunteers Making a Difference
We deeply appreciate the support from our community partners, volunteers, and donors. However, we only manage to document a small portion of these acts of kindness. If you have a photo or story you’d like to share, please send it to us at bbnewsletter@brotherbenno.org. We’d be delighted to feature your story!
Clockwise from upper left - Privateer Pizza lunches with Debra D. - Event Photographer, Todd Glaser - Outerknown & BB Volunteers at the swag bag shirt station -50/50 raffle ticket sales with Linda E. & Dorine M.
Clockwise from upper left - Check-in with volunteers and BB accounting staff - Tasting station provided by Solento Organic Tequila - Jeff B. setting up surfboards for the auctions - Anna M. from Outerknown keeping players energized with snacks and beverages.
MEET BETH DOYLE - BROTHER BENNO'S INTERN
BY KATHLEEN DIEHLMANN
College internships are a rite of passage for many students in the U.S. Over this summer, Beth Doyle, a senior at the University of Georgia (Class of 2025) participated in an unpaid internship at The Brother Benno Foundation.
Beth helped in a variety of areas including writing for the newsletter, data entry for donor relations and development, assisting with grants and essential services. It was important to Brother Benno’s leadership that any intern has a strong grasp on all aspects of our work here at The Brother Benno Foundation. If an intern goes back to school and can give a 90 second elevator speech about Brother Benno’s, we will succeed in sharing our mission and our ministry.
“I think that this internship helped me build my future because it taught me how to work with people from all walks of life, which I feel is essential for all people to experience, as it fosters the growth of empathy, which we need more of today,” Beth wrote at the end of her internship.
"I also think this was a beneficial internship, especially for my future, because I was able to improve my communication skills. I did this through speaking with a variety of people, writing newsletters, social media posts, grants, emails, as well as connecting with donors, and working with communicating directly to interns. I think that communication skills are important, especially in the workplace, and I am glad I had the opportunity to improve my skills and gain more confidence.”
Beth served breakfast to our Guests with her family and baked treats for our volunteers and staff. She became part of the Brother Benno’s family and we were grateful to have her assistance.
Providing an opportunity for local college students, including community college students, to intern at Brother Benno’s is part of our strategy moving forward.
For those interested in an internship opportunity, please contact Elias Velazquez at elias.velazquez@brotherbenno.org.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
We are blessed to have The Brother Benno Foundation’s story, services and events shared with the broader public. In case you missed these, the links will take you to the programs so you can listen and watch. September saw us featured twice by CBS8!
HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER CHARLES WRIGHT
Congratulations to long-time Board Member, Father Charles Wright on his 60 year anniversary in the priesthood! Brother Benno's is truly honored to have Father Charles as our representative of the Prince of Peace Abbey and our spiritual advisor. His unwavering dedication to the Brother Benno Foundation since its inception in 1983 has been invaluable.
We cherish the laughter and wisdom he shares, especially his delightful sense of humor. Father Charles was a dear friend of Brother Benno, and his legacy of kindness and compassion continues to inspire us all. Thank you, Father Charles, for your enduring commitment and service.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY GIFT CARD DRIVE BEGINS
It's that time of year when we begin planning in earnest for this year's Children's Christmas party. Kicking it all off is our outreach for $25 Walmart Gift Cards. You can donate online or via check if you'd like us to purchase gift cards in your name. Any amount you are comfortable contributing to make a needy child's Christmas Merry and Bright is greatly appreciated. Download the gift card and check donation form.
Serving Team Calendar
We'd love to have your team join us!
Email servingteams@brotherbenno.org
Leave a message: (760) 231-1613
Fill out an application here
OCTOBER MEMORIALS
View your October Memorials here
THIS MONTH'S NEEDS
HYGIENE & PERSONAL CARE
Disposable razors
Neosporin - individual packets
Travel-sized soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion & tissue packs
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Men’s pants (all sizes)
Men’s athletic shoes
Men’s belts
Hoodies
Hats (caps/beanies)
Underwear - Men’s & Women’s (new)
Socks -Men’s & Women’s (new & gently-worn)
Baby diapers - size 6
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Bottled waters, sodas, & juices
Ziplock sandwich & snack bags
OTHER NECESSITIES
Adult Backpacks &
Duffle bags (gently-used)
Blankets
Reusable Water Bottles
WHERE TO DROP OFF YOUR DONATIONS
CLOTHING Donations: Clothing, including shoes, socks, beanies, baseball hats, and gloves are accepted at our Thrift Shop - Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 AM. – 1:00 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM – noon Donations are accepted in the alley to the right of the building. Please label donations "For the Center."
FOOD & OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS Donations: Non-perishable food and drinks, blankets, bath towels, personal hygiene items, and diapers are accepted at the Center, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM and Saturday 10:00 AM - noon. (The Center cannot accept clothing, furniture or household items.)
You can also visit our Amazon Wishlist and have needed items shipped directly to us!
LEAVING A LEGACY
The Brother Benno Foundation survives and thrives thanks to a variety of supporters: volunteers, advocates, corporations, foundations, and individual donors like you. One such supporter was Judith Cardinal, a donor and supporter of Brother Benno’s, who passed away on May 28, 2024.
Brother Benno’s was chosen as a beneficiary of Judith’s estate. Thanks to Judith’s support the Foundation will benefit from her substantial gift and continue its work uplifting the dignity of those we serve.
Judith and her husband James (who passed away in 2014) were practicing Catholics who took a tour of Brother Benno’s many years ago and made contributions to Brother Benno’s for years before her death in May.
“That was really nice, thinking of the homeless,” Jeanette Lang, Judith’s neighbor, said about Judith’s legacy gift. “That is really touching.”
Planned giving, like Judith’s bequest, is an essential part of Brother Benno’s continued survival as a nonprofit organization serving the unsheltered, working poor, those suffering from addiction, veterans and our senior neighbors who are struggling to get by.
If you would like to learn more about adding The Brother Benno Foundation to your trust or will, please contact Kathleen Diehlmann at Kathleen.diehlmann@brotherbenno.org.
For those of you who already have a planned gift set up for Brother Benno’s, please let Kathleen know a little bit about you, including why you are leaving this gift and what Brother Benno’s means to you. It is helpful for us to learn more about individuals’ intentions prior to death when possible.
Regardless, The Brother Benno Foundation is truly grateful for the support of the generous souls who have left behind a final gift to our nonprofit. May their memories (and legacies) be a blessing.
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