Martha & Mary’s Annual Event to Raise Funds for Quality of Life Programs

Martha & Mary has been an integral part of the Kitsap community, providing programs and services for residents young and old, for 120 years. Like many other local nonprofits, the organization relies on the generosity of the community it serves.

On April 26, Martha & Mary will host its largest fundraiser of the year, a luncheon and auction, at Kiana Lodge. The focus of the event will be a “raise-the-paddle” portion, called Fund-A-Need, to bring in money for quality of life programs for all the generations Martha & Mary serves.

Quality of life programs include intergenerational activities that Martha & Mary daycare kids participate in with the seniors in the long-term care programs. It also includes things like camps, art therapy, horticulture therapy and holiday celebrations.

“Those kinds of extras are really critical and we have to find the money for it,” says Paula Rimmer, director of development for Martha & Mary Lutheran Services. “We’re mission-based so community support is really important for us to meet our mission.”

The annual fundraiser is in its 14th year but has a different format this year. Instead of a speaker, the event will have a short video presentation so the focus is on Fund-A-Need, with the goal or raising $40,000 through raise-the-paddle (and a total of $75,000).

“It’s a little bit of a departure (in format) but allows us to focus on the core part of the event and bring our mission to people in a compelling way,” Rimmer says.

Martha & Mary offers services that include childcare and early learning programs, home care, rehab and skilled nursing, as well as senior independent and assisted living.

“We serve all, those who have abundant resources and those who need a little help. We want to make sure everyone has the same experience,” Rimmer says.

Having quality of life programs such as art activities or holiday celebrations is especially important to individuals in skilled nursing care, she says.

“Having something that can distract you and that you can look forward to is really a big deal, and it does make a difference,” she says.

The Martha & Mary “Generations of Care” luncheon is on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at Kiana Lodge. Regular tickets at $45 help pay for the event; patron tickets at $75 contribute toward fundraising.

Tickets are limited and RSVPs by April 13 are appreciated. Tickets are available online at www.marthaandmary.org/events or by calling 360-626-7879.

For more information about Martha & Mary, go to www.marthaandmary.org.