Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano Area Matthew 25 will hold a fundraiser Saturday to help benefit its homeless shelter, SAM’s House, now in its second year of operation.
The shelter served 44 homeless visitors in November and December, including 14 children, totaling 850 nights of stay, and has so far provided 2,200 meals, according to Muffy Culhane, president of SAM 25.
“It’s been very busy,” she said.
SAM’s House, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. November through April, housed 58 people during its first year of operation, including eight children, providing 630 nights of shelter and nearly 1,000 meals.
The shelter also added a shower this year, an amenity that wasn’t available last year.
Culhane said the shelter could always use more volunteers, but she has high praise for those who are already helping to keep things running smoothly.
“We have a wonderful staff,” she said.
She also thanked those who have supported the shelter, including people who have provided dinners and made monetary donations.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support of the community,” she said. “I’m very thankful. It’s been amazing.”
Culhane also noted the winter season this year has seemed harsher than last year’s, alternating between heavy snow and bitter cold and making the shelter more vital to those in need.
“It’s nice to have a spot for these folks to go to,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to direct them to services they’re in need of and be able to give them some direction until they’re back on their feet again.”
Saturday’s special fundraiser will also serve as a kind of practice run for an “Empty Bowls, Caring Hearts” fundraising event planned for October that SAM 25 hopes to hold annually.
The shelter is also looking at the possibility of a monthly community resources fair and monthly community dinners at First Presbyterian Church.
This weekend’s event is billed as “Souper Bowl Saturday,” and will include food and live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the commons area at Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 S. Waukechon St.
Advance tickets are $8 and $4 for children 10 and under. Tickets at the door will be $10 and $5, respectively. Tickets are available at Charlie’s County Market, BMO Harris Bank and CoVantage Credit Union.
All proceeds benefit Shawano Area Matthew 25 and its homeless shelter.
The meal will include a bowl of soup, bread, dessert and a drink. Performers include Skip Jones, Wade Fernandez, Angel Miller, Mike Mage, Dan Robinson, Dale Kakkak, Randy Bruce and Joel Kroenke.
There will also be raffle baskets and a silent auction.