You’re Invited: An Alexandria Event that Gives Back!
Jennifer Poersch and I met through a mutual friend at our church. Since then, Jennifer has become a dear friend, a wellness superstar, and one of the biggest supporters of Alexandria Wellness and wellness as a journey. Look at her – and listen to her! 
While we have many interests in common, this one about which she writes to you, in particular, is one in which we are both deeply committed. As a small business owner for 17 years, I am often approached to donate to charities and schools. In 2016, we decided instead of contributing to several charities, to choose one and make it more meaningful. We would be more impactful this way.We chose The Carpenter’s Shelter. Subsequently, we hosted Thanksgiving food drives. Their Executive Director, Shannon Steene, came to Fitness on the Run and I’ve long admired their devotion to supporting the homeless in achieving sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. My own aunt, a Catholic Sister, has spent the past 50 years mostly on this one issue of homelessness.The Carpenter’s Shelter is near and dear to me, just like my friend Jennifer who has an important message below.
Dear Friends,It was New Year’s Eve three years ago when my husband suggested we all make New Year’s resolutions. I was never big on “resolutions” — I always felt like I failed by mid-February — but this time it felt different. I have always been interested in helping those most in need, and one of my friends was on the board of Carpenter’s Shelter — the largest homeless shelter in Northern Virginia. Maybe that was the right place to get involved! That night while toasting the New Year with my husband and two young girls, I resolved to “give back” to my city by becoming involved in Carpenter’s Shelter.
I reached out to my friend Meghan the next week, and soon after, I was invited to join the Development Committee of the Shelter. I now serve on the Board of Directors and am the Development Chair. These past three years have been a whirlwind but extremely rewarding. The Carpenter’s Shelter community is so welcoming, and it’s such a privilege to raise funds for an organization that is so integral to our amazing city. Today we have a whole new set of challenges with an international pandemic, and the neediest in our community are suffering the worst. With our usual fundraising events canceled, we have had to put our thinking caps on and get creative. I’m very proud to invite you to our first virtual fundraiser on Thursday, October 8, entitled “Take Out 2 Give Back.”We’ve partnered with over 10 of your favorite Alexandria restaurants, who are all offering promotions in honor of this very special event (like free dessert!). It’s a great way to sample a restaurant you haven’t tried yet — while helping to end and prevent homelessness in our city. The Stylebook community knows the value of supporting local businesses and organizations — and it doesn’t get any more local than Carpenter’s Shelter, who takes care of Alexandria’s most vulnerable 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. I’d be honored if you would support them by purchasing a ticket or becoming a sponsor today.Click here to find out more! With my thanks,Jennifer Poersch
