Skyline Church Invites Community to Attend 9/11 Healing Service
Skyline Church invites the public to come to a special 9/11 healing ceremony with Sufi prayer and dance on Sunday, September 11, at 10 a.m. As part of the ceremony, attendees will celebrate and learn about the Church’s recent donation partnership with Alameda County Community Food Bank (Food Bank). In July 2011, Skyline Church presented a $25,000 donation to the Food Bank, which Skyline is pleased to offer via a connected private estate with the church.
Here in Alameda County, 1 out of 6 people currently use the services of the Food Bank, and the number of people has been steadily rising. The Food Bank distributes food through a network of more than 275 agencies across the county, including St. Mary’s Center in Oakland and Bay Area Community Services (BACS).
For many years, Skyline has participated in various Food Bank drives, including its annual children’s program for “Souper Bowl Sunday.” Skyline specifically designated the Food Bank as its donation recipient because of its remarkably effective programming. Ninety-six percent of every $1 donated goes to feeding Alameda County residents. For every dollar donated, ACCFB distributed $5 worth of food. In 2010, the Food Bank was awarded Charity Navigator’s highest rating – four stars – for the fourth consecutive year. This represents a record of fiscal excellence matched by just 9 percent of non-profits nationwide.
The gift of $25,000 is considered a major grant, comparable to the size of many of the Food Bank’s major corporate sponsors. The gift is intended to inspire further contributions, with the goal of being doubled through a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution campaign Skyline has established with the Food Bank. The matching grant campaign will coincide with the Food Bank’s annual Fall fundraising event, “Savor the Season.”
“We were delighted to receive this generous gift, and it will go a long way in helping us serve our neighbors in need,” said Suzan Bateson, executive director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank. “Skyline’s contribution ranks among the largest single gifts we’ve received from a faith-based organization, and is an exceptional gesture given the size of their congregation. We’re very honored to partner with Skyline for our Fall campaign and we know that their gift will be an inspiration to others.”
Skyline Church invites all to attend service on Sunday, September 11, at 10 a.m. when special Alameda County Community Food Bank representatives will be present to share more about their work.
