Assistance League Leaders Continue 24-Year Tradition of Community Giving
Celebrating its 24th year of philanthropy and community service, the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan confirmed its 2017-18 slate of officers, who collectively renewed their commitment to clothe, feed, educate and comfort children and adults through its compassionate community-based programs.
Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan board members serve their community. Seated (left to right): Luanne Offer, President Rosemary Dirksen, Nancy Troyer, and Sani Dwyer. Standing (left to right): Maureen Schlosser, Karen Graham, Lorraine Taliercio, Cindy Weber, Betty Zych, Pat Quitter, Violet Cholakian, Anne Cushing, and Karen Boyk
With more than 300 members providing 44,000+ volunteer hours annually, Assistance League is able to help more than 23,000 infants, children and adults year round in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Since its establishment in 1993, the all-member volunteer organization has helped nearly 250,000 people in Southeastern Michigan through many philanthropic programs, including: Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, Wee Help, One-2-One Tutoring, Backpack Meals, Community Connection, Link to Creative Teaching, and Pass It Forward.
“There are many unmet needs and challenges in our community,” said Assistance League President Rosemary Dirksen. “I am so honored to serve alongside these amazing volunteers, who advocate for others and who share their time and generosity to lighten the load for people in need. We have great respect and compassion for our fellow neighbors and citizens.”
The group’s two major funding sources are Assistance League ReSale Connection, a nonprofit, upscale resale shop in downtown Rochester where 100% of profits help those in need, and the Mistletoe Marketplace annual fundraiser which will be held on November 15, 2017, at the San Marino Club in Troy. These sources support the philanthropic programs that are staffed by Assistance League members.
Chapter members have helped steward grants of all amounts from generous organizations and community members including the following: David Elliott Foundation, Young Women’s Home Association, Village Women’s Club, The Women’s Fund, General Dynamics, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, Consumers Energy Retirees and Volunteers, Kohl’s, Rochester Jr. Women’s Club, and Gardner White. Last year, Assistance League raised more than $430,000 for its philanthropic programs, which help people in need across Southeastern Michigan.
“We are energized for another year serving this wonderful community,” said President Dirksen.
About Rochester Media