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BEYOND OURSELVES Marlene Hofer, marlenehofer@comcast.net

On Tuesday, September 26, Beyond Ourselves spearheaded a benefit for Crossroads
Hope Academy that was ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Also working with us was the PGICA,
with special thanks going to Debbie Carey, President, and Regina Buckley, Director.
PGICA provided beer, soft drinks, paper products, and water. Other clubs that helped with
food, wine, and workers were Seafarers, JFF, and Paradise Friends. Linda Platt organized
an auction which produced $1,500 in funds. Bob and Struss Shirk ran the 50/50 and all
winners donated their winnings back to Crossroads. Publix, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, River City
Grill, PGI Grill, Monty’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, and Bean on 41 all donated food thanks to
Gail Cameron soliciting them for food. John Davidson, Director of Crossroads, brought five
of the boys living there to serve appetizers for the guests. Entertainment for the night was
Mike Slattery, guitarist; Charlotte High School “Charisma” group; Dave Heveron; and, Ken
Feder. With all these people donating their time, food, wine, and effort, we raised a grand
total of $21,804.

It was a distinct pleasure to
work with PGICA. They
pulled out all the stops to
accommodate Beyond
Ourselves with this benefit.
Our grateful thanks to
PGICA, Seafarers, JFF,
Paradise Friends, and all those who donated to our cause
for Crossroads. This event was a significant outpouring
from beyond PGICA. Many people from outside PGI
attended and donated. Thanks also to the Charlotte Sun
newspaper for the articles concerning Crossroads and
our benefit. This benefit was put together in 8 days!

Beyond Ourselves Bash (BOB) Saturday,
November 11: Be certain to read our invitation
and buy tickets to this beautiful evening of
dining, dancing, and a silent auction. This event
raises money that is divided among the Back
Pack Kidz of Charlotte County, Crossroads
Hope Academy, New Operation Cooper Street,
Peace River Wildlife Center, and the Homeless
Coalition. You can host a table and invite a
group of friends to purchase tickets sold at the
PGICA and online. Don’t miss this enchanting
evening.

Our next meeting for Beyond Ourselves will take
place at the PGICA on Wednesday, November
15, at 10 a.m. Please come to this meeting and
be part of our planning process. It’s also a great
time to join us if you are not a member yet.

Save products for the Shoe Box Event: All PGICA members are invited to begin to save personal hygiene products,

preferably large bottles of shampoo, soap, etc. From November 1 through December 12, you will be able to drop them
off, along with nonperishable food and shoe boxes at the PGICA.

Charlotte County Homeless Shelter: We need volunteers to serve dinner at the CCHC on Saturday, November 4, and
Saturday, December 2. Arrive at 4:30 p.m., and leave by 6 p.m. Contact Ruth Kliment at kliment2FL@comcast.net or
941-347-7776 to volunteer.

Home Tour, February 3, 2018: Experience six gorgeous homes and one garden. We could use volunteers to help with
raffles, publicity, and day of tour. Other Home Tour workers are needed as well: home docents - contact Ellen Jodway
at oligney@yahoo.com; men for parking at each home - contact Carol Nieberline at cnieberline@yahoo.com; items are
needed for the raffle - contact Carla Clark at cclark2521@gmail.com.

If you take any pictures you would like us to consider, please send them to Sue Kelley at skelley180@aol.com.
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