On February 7, 2019, the Board of Directors of Mount Jubilee Ministries hosted its annual donor appreciation event at MJM’s office located within the Mission First site, 1520 South Scales Street, Reidsville, NC. Approximately 100 donors were in attendance. MJM is Rockingham County’s premier grassroots non-profit organization chartered to address the significant and growing gap in services for the teen and adult I/DD population.
Bonnie Larson, chairperson of MJM’s Resource Development Committee welcomed the guests with a resounding expression of appreciation and “Thank You”. Larson told those in attendance that “ without passionate and faithful donors such as yourselves, the vision to provide alternative programs and services for our special friends would not be possible”.
Cecil Cottrell, MJM’s Executive Director, echoed his gratitude for donor support during 2018. Cottrell presented an overview of the enormous growth in services/programs which has taken place in MJM over the past couple of years. Cottrell shared with appreciation the significant growth in both the number of donors and the amount of the annual giving during 2017-2018. He reported that during 2018 there were over 300 cash donations from individuals, churches, local businesses, corporations and civic clubs. Over 150 individuals and businesses contributed in-kind gifts for the annual Family Fun Walk and Auction. The Family Fun Walk and Auction is the organization’s signature fundraising event and the 2018 event generated over $40,000.
The theme for the donor recognition event was “ Because you walk with us”. Cottrell announced to the donors in attendance that in July, 2019, MJM would be launching the first alternative day program in the area. The 5 days per week program will serve 16 adults with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities. Cottrell indicated the alternative approach to services and programs for the I/DD is relatively new in the delivery of services to the unserved and underserved special needs population. The business model MJM will implement will focus on bringing many homebound individuals with I/DD into the community for inclusion and opportunities for productive life skills.
A video entitled “The Voices of MJM” was premiered for the donors. The video showcased the significance of MJM’s programs and services as told by Camp Jubilee participants, volunteers and families, the unity of hundreds walking together at the Family Fun Walk and the heartfelt appreciation from members of the I/DD population themselves. At the conclusion of the event, one donor’s sentiment summed up the feeling present in the meeting “I have never been more proud to invest in this special population and I will continue to support the vision/mission of MJM”.
Jake Smithey, Josh Dooley, Allie Larson, Philip Meeks, Matthew Stone, Savanah Wimberley, James ‘Mo’ Moore and Ginny Hicks proudly represented the special needs community by distributing copies of the preliminary 2018 Donor Listing and thanking each donor for supporting MJM.
For additional information on MJM, visit the website at https://mountjubilee.org or reach out to us by telephone at 336-552-3766. Please consider joining over 450 local donors in support of Mount Jubilee Ministries.
