Sharing the love and hope of Christ while empowering our neighbors with education, employment, and crisis support.

I can't begin this month's newsletter without first commending the nothing-less-than-incredible work our Thrift Store team accomplished to ensure the Guntersville Thrift Store Grand Opening was a whopping success. They celebrated over 325 sales transactions on the first day! The CARE Center's presence was welcomed lakeside with open hearts, minds, and pocketbooks. We're prayerfully optimistic that the relationships formed will be mutually beneficial and fruitful for many years.

Now it's time to get laser-focused on our most significant (and only) fundraising event of the year --- the 20th Annual "I Golf Because I CARE" tournament. It is mission critical that we reach our goal of raising $45,000 and hosting 24+ teams. To date, we have acquired $17,750 in sponsorships and registered only 11 teams. There's a noticeable gap that we need your assistance in closing quickly. Here are five reminders of why your local church, community group, or business surely wants to be involved:

1) Play one of your favorite games for a great cause. You may not feel equipped to teach children to read, provide employment, help a high-school dropout prep for GED testing, or feed and clothe a family recently displaced by a house fire...but you know how to swing a golf club and even enjoy it!

2) Boost employee morale and attract exceptional new employees. Talented people are likelier to seek out and stay with flexible and fun organizations that support social causes.

3) Appeal to new customers and gain support from existing ones. Even consumers want to invest in things that make a positive difference in the world, especially where they spend their money.

4) Networking opportunities within your community. You will meet more people and stay plugged in as you give back. Ideally, folks you get to know will like you and recommend what you're offering to others.

5) Financial benefits. The short and sweet of it is we're a 501c3, so it's all tax-deductible!

If you intend to sponsor or register for the "I Golf Because I CARE" tournament on October 14th at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, we need to hear from you PRONTO! All the information you need to sign up is provided below. Feel free to contact me directly with questions. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely Yours,

Andrea Bridges

Executive Director

The CARE Center

abridges@thecare-center.org

Events & Opportunities

Golf Because You CARE

October 14 / NOON

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Such a fun event! Recruit your winning team and register to play 18 holes to support our mission. This is our only fundraiser of the year. Corporate sponsorships and prize donations from local businesses are greatly appreciated.

SPONSORSHIP INFO

Hiring After-School Staff

If you love empowering children and have a high-school diploma or GED equivalent, we'd like to interview you! Complete this application to take the first step toward becoming part of our high-quality team.

APPLY HERE

Community Group for Men

Mondays / 5:30 - 7 PM

Business Office

Hang out with other men in our area to exchange practical advice and glean Biblical insight that will lead to a brighter, healthier future.

Call group leader Grant Preston at 256.714.6563.

Recovery Support Group

Thursdays / 5 - 7 PM

Ministry Building

Just show up to become part of our cost-free, faith-based support group for those recovering from addiction. Come as you are and bring a friend.

Email amy.parker@thecare-center.org.

FREE GED Classes

Mon. & Wed. / 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Adult Learning Center

"Thank you to The CARE Center for helping my husband get his GED, and now he works for Madison County Sanitation Dept."

Call our Adult Education office at 256.723.2271 to register. Class space is limited, so act fast!

Food Pantry Shopping List

These toiletry items are in low supply within our Food Pantry and cannot be purchased by using food stamps. Consider adding all or a few to your weekly shopping list or next Amazon order.

Call our office at 256.723.2273 to schedule a drop-off.

ORDER FROM AMAZON

Support Our Meal Ministry

Food is inviting, relaxes conversation, and helps with sound decision-making. So it is no surprise that meals are essential to our groups. We're seeking several volunteers to join a monthly meal rotation by committing to prepare a dish or make a Paypal donation.

Gifts That Keep Giving

Our dear friend and across-the-street neighbor, Lorelai Kolarik (of Vintage Lorelai Jewelry and Gifts), donates $10 to The CARE Center every time the "Pearl & Cross" necklace she designed to benefit our mission is sold. There will soon also be earrings that compliment! Purchase this unique creation for yourself or a dear lady in your own life.

PURCHASE YOUR GIFT

Onsite Medicare Info

We are grateful for the partnership with Medicare insurance specialist Rick Israel. His expertise provides potential benefits to our neighbors ages 65 and older who need health insurance. If you cannot meet him onsite, feel free to call or email him at your convenience.

rickbamainsurance@gmail.com

256.698.8774

Purchase a Legacy Paver

Leaving a legacy involves imprinting a lasting and positive influence on the places and relationships God gives us to steward during our lifetime. The CARE Center desires to make just such an impact...and we know you do as well! Honor those who have made their mark on your own life or within our community by purchasing a $100 Legacy Paver that will line a student-designed sculpture garden between our new Business Office and Ministry Building. All proceeds go towards the "I Give Because I CARE" capital campaign.

PURCHASE A PAVER