PRESS RELEASES:
FAITH FARM MINISTRIES HOSTS . . . “LUNCH ON THE FARM”
HUNDREDS OF NEW FRIENDSHIPS ARE CREATED
IN SUPPORT OF ITS ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAM
Boynton Beach, Fla. – December 10, 2008 – Over 200 “persons of influence” came together for a Thanksgiving “Lunch on the Farm” on November 17th at the Ft. Lauderdale Campus, and on November 19th at the Boynton Beach Campus. They came to learn more about the unique addiction recovery program at Faith Farm Ministries that has changed an estimated 28,000 lives since it began in 1951. “We find that people do not know what Faith Farm Ministries. They only know our Thrift Stores”, says Dean O. Webb, Executive Director of the non-profit organization. “For 59 years, this organization has been self-supportive through its Thrift Stores and other entrepreneurial initiatives. However, if we are to serve the ever-growing need in our community, the help, support and understanding of the community will be essential.”
The public awareness event, which took place from Noon to 1 p.m. each day, included an invocation by the Chairman of the Board, Rev. Daniel L. West, a short video presentation depicting a few testimonies, a live testimony and a word from the Executive Director, Dean Webb. All enjoyed a Thanksgiving Buffet full of ‘comfort food’, including corn bread stuffing & turkey breast rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and cranberries, of course. The apple crumb dessert was to die for thanks to Fran’s Original Party Caterers.
VIP Attendees included Ft. Lauderdale’s Mayor, Jim Naugle, and City Manager, George Gretsas. Dan Lindblade, President of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Glenn Jergensen, President of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce were also VIP guests along with Frank Adderley, Ft. Lauderdale Chief of Police, and Romney Rogers, Esq., of Rogers Morris & Ziegler, P.A. Also represented was United Way of Broward County, United Way of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Department of Children & Families, area foundations, State Representative, Kelly Skidmore’s, office and many area business owners and managers. A very special guest was Delores Read, the founder’s daughter, and her husband, Bud Read, a lifetime member of the Board of Directors.
Over 59 years ago, Rev. Garland “Pappy” Eastham opened the doors of Ft. Lauderdale Rescue Tabernacle to homeless men in the streets of Ft. Lauderdale. Today, there are three campuses in Ft. Lauderdale, Boynton Beach and Okeechobee, Florida, with over 400 beds. The free 9 month residential recovery program for men and women who have addictions to drugs and/or alcohol has become a unique model that provides healing physically, psychologically and spiritually. In 2009, the ministry will be adding small group support for families and loved ones of the students.
In addition to the Thrift Stores, the Faith Farm programis supported by its other entrepreneurial initiatives including sod farming, cattle farming, citrus groves, recycling, TV & Appliance Repair, automotive repair & body shop and opening soon, the On Line Store that will offer special one-of-a-kind gifts, collectibles, art, jewelry, furs and clothing, and so much more.
For more information, call (561) 737-2259 or visit our Web site at www.faithfarm.org.
Media Contact:
Judy Walters, Development Coordinator (561) 737-2259
Jwalters@faithfarm.org