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InnVision Thanks St. Andrew Bowlers!Money raised helps Silicon Valley's Homeless. Pastor Ginger DuMars of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in San Jose's Blossom Valley presented more than $2,000.00 to one of San Jose's leading homeless services organizations On December 5th at her parish on Cahalan Avenue. About 30 members of the congregation between the ages of seven and 70+, conducted a bowl-a-thon at Oakridge Lanes earlier this year and raised the funds for InnVision through individual pledges, with a match in funds from the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch 8088 of Santa Clara Valley. Not frightened by the downturn in the economy, organizer Kathy Szymkowiak said she asked individuals to pledge more this year, than last. She says everyone was happy to oblige. "In these times when the economy is uncertain, InnVision is working extra hard to help people less fortunate than ourselves," said Szymkowiak. "Hopefully this will inspire others to do more," she added. David Eastis, Chief Development Officer for InnVision says the heartfelt intention behind the bowl-a-thon fits in perfectly to the organization's philosophy. "InnVision is dedicated to empowering homeless and at- risk families and individuals. We accomplish this by offering various levels of housing and day programs in a safe and supportive environment that promotes self-worth and independent living." Eastis explained that InnVision was founded in 1973 and serves over 11,000 homeless families and individuals each year. "Our continuum of care," said Eastis, "involves a system that is innovative, embodies compassion, and is sustained through the effective and efficient use of the organization's resources." To find out more about InnVision, visit www.innvision.org, or call (408) 292-4286. St. Andrew is a small, neighborhood congregation, which was newly remodeled
and expanded, that welcomes all people. Sunday School for children is
offered during the 10:15 A.M. worship service. The motto at St. Andrew
is "love in action." Among the parish's various community outreach
projects involves dedicated cooks and servers providing home cooked meals
and friendly visits to InnVision's Julian Street Inn each month. Each
winter, St. Andrew hosts a bowl-a-thon, and utilizes matching funds to
reach out to San Jose's community and support a local ministry like InnVision,
Habitat, Help one Child and Foster Family Campership. # # #
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