by Lucy Shaffer-Doherty

Crisis Control Ministry (CCM) will be hosting our 2nd Annual Septemberfest event on September 15, 2015.  This event will take place at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and will benefit our CCM office in Kernersville.  Join us for a food tasting sponsored by local Kernersville restaurants, entertainment, door prizes with grand prize included, surprise guests and much, much more!  The event lasts from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and will be emceed by Kernersville’s own Duane Long, with Long Insurance Services.  Table sponsorships are available for purchase for $250 per table that seats eight individuals.  Individual tickets are being sold as well for $35 per ticket.  Come enjoy the evening and meet new people while helping your neighbors in crisis right here in Kernersville!

This year, Septemberfest is primarily an awareness event about the services provided by and for Kernersville area residents.  September 15th will be an evening of learning, laughter, and looking toward the future; about the importance of the health and well-being of all our residents, especially those who continue to struggle to provide for basic life needs.  Crisis Control Ministry was founded in Kernersville 37 years ago to create a safe place for residents in need to go for short-term assistance.  Simultaneously, the volunteers of the ministry offer people the chance to assess their situation, think about ways to build networks of support, and prevent the crisis from happening again.  Often there is no quick fix, but if people feel hope and those in the community are pulling for them, it gives them the determination and support to work towards their personal goals.

Margaret Elliott, Executive Director of CCM, explains, “The purpose of Septemberfest, established in 2014, was to bring awareness to the local Kernersville community about the services provided by Crisis Control Ministry.  It was also an opportunity to build relationships with supporters and those who wanted to learn more about the issues of poverty and how we, as a community, can work together with our neighbors in need to help alleviate underlying issues that lead to financial crisis situations.  This year, Septemberfest will be a grand celebration, featuring delicious food from local restaurants who are participants in CCM’s annual Hope du Jour event to raise funds to alleviate hunger and to recognize those who financially support Crisis Control’s work.”

Whether it is classified as a fundraiser or an awareness-raising event, the importance is that guests who attend will learn important facts and information about residents in our part of the county who are struggling to provide for basic things like food and shelter.  More importantly, we will learn how to respond in caring and life-giving ways so we recognize the potential in everyone and provide support to help get individuals and families back on their feet so they can continue to be productive members of the community, which is what everyone desires to be.

Kathy Hoffner, Director of Crisis Control Ministry in Kernersville, remarks, “Raising funds for a good cause does not have to be painful or boring.  This was proven last September at CCM’s first-ever Septemberfest.  There was great food, fun, and fellowship for all.  Attendees were treated to a wonderful selection of delicious foods from area restaurants including delectable desserts!  As the evening  progressed, event goers were so involved in activities and dancing that Town Manager Curtis Swisher was heard declaring, ‘I have never had so much fun at an event like this before and I could have stayed longer!’  Be sure that you do not miss out on the fun this year.”

For more information about how to get involved with Crisis Control Ministry in Kernersville, please call Kathy Hoffner, Director of the Kernersville CCM, at 336-996-2636 or by e-mail at khoffner@crisiscontrol.org.  In addition, please contact our PR & Marketing Coordinator, Lucy Shaffer-Doherty, for more information regarding how you can get involved with Septemberfest.  She can be reached at 336-724-7875 ext. 1040 or by e-mailing lshaffer-doherty@crisiscontrol.org.