I joined Westminster about 50 years ago because it was a leader in desegregating Charlottesville.
A Place at the Table is a perfect metaphor for the Benevolence Committee. We invite “guests” (agencies) to our “table,” bring “food” (funding) to nourish their work, and “feed” the programs.
Twice a year we invite area organizations to bring their financial needs to our table and share their mission and plans for the upcoming year. In the spring we provide funds to many agencies from the annual budget, usually around 20% of our pledges. In the fall, we share the income from an endowment fund. Most of the agencies we fund are also supported by the volunteer work many of you do throughout the year. Many of the funded programs have shared their work throughout the year as part of adult education.
Among the twenty or so agencies thus nourished at our table are Sin Berraras, the Charlottesville Health Program (CHIP), Habitat for Humanity, La Leche League, PROSAMI, and AIM. All the agencies provide much needed assistance to those in our community who are in need of help.
Our ability to nourish the guests at our table depends on our generosity. Our willingness and ability to provide the “food” at the table nourishes those in need in our community.
Westminster has a history of generosity at the Table, please carry it on as you consider your pledge this year. Complete the circle of sharing from our support to the agencies to our neighbors in need.
Thank you.
Nancy O’Brien, Benevolence Committee