May/June 2020 issue:
You may be receiving this letter shortly before Fancy Friday May 29 … or you might be receiving it shortly after. Either way, greetings and peace be with you! With all the disruptions and challenges these days, a ‘fundraising event’ is way down the list of important. However, Fancy Friday – our spring celebration – has never been just a fundraising event.
For two decades, our three-fold goal has remained steadfast: We aim to inspire 1) Hope,2) Action, and 3) $upport for SLF and our 50+ partnerships. SLF’s ‘main program’ is to help the programs of other ministries, nonprofits and schools thrive. So even though we’re not
a direct-service provider, we support dozens of providers and help them achieve great outcomes. Lately, our team has been doing this in very creative ways.And, in the process, we have seen incredible Signs of Hope. Both literally and metaphorically. We hope you’ve seen them, too, all over Salem-Keizer. Signs that speak to the resilient and optimistic demeanor we all possess, but which sometimes needs to be stirred.
Fancy Friday 2020 was designed to focus on such signs, and we believe that Hope and Action will flourish. $upport? We are being very open-handed and trusting God. Many of our efforts during this time are aimed at helping our partners raise money and sustain their capacity to serve. And we’re loving it. During these times we are earnestly asking, “how can we serve you?” How can we pray for you? What kid or family or organization do you know that we can help (or connect with those who can help)? Please email me (sam@salemLF.org) and our team will jump into action. And, as you are able, find ways to support your favorite local businesses and nonprofits. We will overcome this crisis as we deploy both grit and optimism. In the midst, there are beautiful Signs of Hope all over Salem-Keizer to encourage us forward. 
Be safe. Be creative. Check on a neighbor. Be not afraid.