By Lisa Carolin
Trips to Italy and Hawaii, boating parties, and fishing excursions, and dinners at local restaurants were among the live auction, silent auction, and raffle prizes bid on at Faith in Action’s Annual Benefit Banquet April 28 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.
Close to 200 people attended, and thousands of dollars were raised for Faith in Action, which is now in its 39th year.
Jazz music was performed by Brian Brill and Jed Fritzemaier, and there were hors d’oeuvre, a complementary wine and beer bar, and dinner.
FIA Executive Director Nancy Paul announced the recipient of the Howard S. Holmes Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2018, which is given annually by the board of directors.
“No business can thrive without taking care of people in the community,” said Paul. “Bob Pierce made sure that every event that happens in town was inclusive.”
Paul explained that in 2005 when Pierce was executive director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, he had the idea to get nonprofits into the chamber.
“There are now close to 43 nonprofits that are part of the chamber in Chelsea,” Pierce told the audience, following a standing ovation. “Faith in Action is the finest and most incredible organization we have in Chelsea and Dexter.”
Pierce quoted the song “Hello in There” written by John Prine:
“So if you’re walking down the street sometime
And spot some hollow ancient eyes
Please don’t just pass ’em by and stare
As if you didn’t care, say, ‘Hello in there, hello.’”
Faith in Action is the largest emergency service provider in western Washtenaw County and offers financial help with rent, utilities, food, clothing, household goods, medical equipment and advocacy.
