03/16/12
Cindy Farmer FOX8 News MC “Musical Moods” 10th Anniversary Dinner and Concert Gala
Sanctuary House celebrated its 10th Anniversary in style at Musical Moods 2012, held March 10 in the Empire Ballroom. With help from Cindy Farmer of FOX8 News, Patrick Rock Band and Sleeping Booty Band, attendees acknowledged this significant milestone anniversary for the organization. The annual event boasted close to 280 in attendance and grossed $63,780 to support Sanctuary House programming, a Greensboro organization offering services for adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
Cindy Farmer FOX8 News graciously stepped in as mistress of ceremony, and offered a tribute to scheduled emcee Rich Brenner at the event. Cindy noted that “"Rich left such a wonderful legacy of service to others and helping out great causes like Sanctuary House. Someone has to continue to carry the torch that he held so high ... Why not start with me? I can't think of a better way to honor him." Rich Brenner, 65, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 27, 2012 at Cone Hospital.
Cindy referred to a letter she received from a FOX8 viewer. The viewer, who has family members living with mental illness told Cindy the word “crazy” can make individuals feel inferior and this may have a detrimental effect. As we promote mental health in our community, Cindy encouraged the audience to think about our own words and actions. Also recognizing the spirit of the event, Cindy encouraged us to continue focusing on the strengths, talents and abilities of those individuals in our community who experience mental illness.
Twelve year old, Matthew Olive (Greensboro), was recognized for his interest and contribution to clients at Sanctuary House. When he learned that many had never been to a baseball game, he worked this past summer to raise money so that he could take all of them to see the Greensboro Grasshoppers, provide them food at the game, and money to spend in the gift shop so each could take home a Grasshopper’s souvenir. Matthew continues to work on projects at Sanctuary House, and for his dedication of time and resources, and recognition of the needs of adults with mental illness, he was inducted into the Sanctuary Hall of Honor.
Guests at the evening event feasted on a buffet dinner and took home items from the extensive silent auction, including a UNC collage poster, autographed Duke basketball, mink jacket, beautiful jewelry, art, and numerous other items. Contributing to the evening’s enjoyment was a multi-tiered cake and table of mouthwatering desserts made fresh by A Sweet Success!, Sanctuary House's own bakery. Additionally, a Wall of Wine was offered for sale.
The evening concluded with dancing to headliner Sleeping Booty Band, known for their fun costumes and high energy live performances.
Sponsors for the event included FOX8 News, Ross Photography, First Service Solutions, Stir Creative Group, Advanced Home Care, American National, A Sweet Success! Bakery, Bears Balloons & Beyond, Cone Health, Premier Commercial Bank, and REMCO.
It was an anniversary to remember, and Sanctuary House continues its work with adults with mental illness in our local community. The success of Musical Moods in past years has enabled Sanctuary House to provide more services to these adults, and that tradition will be continued for the next 10+ years.
Cindy Farmer FOX8 shared, “I was amazed at the programs offered, and the people involved, with the Sanctuary House. Everyone deserves a chance in life to feel needed, loved and a contributing part of society. Thanks to the Sanctuary Hous for their work in our community, as many of their clients may otherwise not get the chance to feel important. It truly is an "Extraordinary Place for Extraordinary People!
