Longtime event returns to Union Rescue Mission
Apr. 11—FAIRMONT — Night of Hope was a mainstay at the Fairmont Union Rescue Mission, up through 2019. Then, the pandemic happened. For four years, Night of Hope was on hiatus. Staff came and went from the Rescue Mission. A new pastor even took over.
The hiatus ends Saturday, when Night of Hope returns. The theme is new beginnings, to signify a changing of the guard at the mission as well as the new projects and goals the mission is working on. It's both homecoming and a chance to look ahead to the future.
"I think it's becoming evident there's a new vibe here," said Jacci Maier, development director. "There's a new feel here and we want people to feel welcome. We want people to feel like there's help here for them and that we care."
Night of Hope will take place at Trinity Assembly of God. It's the biggest fundraising event of the year for the mission. Seating can be reserved by calling 304-363-0300. Tables are available for purchase. Pastor Jeff Benedict said he expects turnout to be in the neighborhood of 400 people. Once doors open at 5:30 p.m., guests will come in to register to find out where they're seated, while a caterer places huge charcuterie boards on either side of the room. Guests will have a chance to chat and mingle until 6 p.m., when everyone will take their seats and the main program will begin.
"We'll have a short video that we'll show," Benedict said. "Then we have testimonies of a couple of our residents that will talk about the mission and what the mission means to them. How they got here. We'll have some special singing and I'll be speaking."
While the evening is dedicated to fundraising, it also provides an opportunity for members of the mission's community to meet the donors who have been donating for a number of years. Benedict said the mission works on 100% donations from businesses and community partners, as well as as individuals. At the same time, donors will be able to see the impact their money makes on the people who call the mission home during the toughest part of their lives.
"We're getting to see folks come through our program, come through dark periods in their life and come out bright and shining," Maier said. "It's exciting and rewarding to see. It is possible. We are faith based, so its answer to prayer when we're able to see that come to fruition and we're excited to be able to share that with folks."
It's called Night of Hope for a reason, she said.
Maier added that most donors and supporters are not at the mission on a regular basis so this event gives them a chance to see a bird's eye view of what it provides the community.
Fairmont City Council Member Kandi Nuzum said the mission does a really good job of addressing the homeless problem in Fairmont. Beyond trying to feed them, it also provides educational opportunities to those who are willing to go to classes.
"No matter what county you're in, you should be supporting these missions," she said. "Their goal is not just to feed them and clothe them, their goal is to educate them and get them back on their feet."
Nuzum said her desire to help the unfortunate comes from her strong convictions as a Christian. She believes Christians have a responsibility to help the poor, and a responsibility to answer need wherever it is found.
"I really don't care how many homeless people you have, they are people that need help," she said. "I don't know how many homeless we have. I do know that our food banks are constantly needing to be filled. Our missions need to be filled. So, I don't know the number. I just know that it's a need."
Nuzum and her husband, Roger Nuzum, became part of Faith International Church in 2007, and through their church became involved with helping the various missions in Fairmont. Her church regularly works with the Union Rescue Mission, helping bring in donations, help serve food, hold Christmas parties and even help with remodeling. It's her belief that the Lord didn't tell the government to serve the needy, he told His church to do so. But to do the work, the mission needs food, clothing and funding.
And work the mission is doing. Benedict said they are updating their programming to include a new women's coordinator, as well as a new men's coordinator. Those programs have been reshaped a great deal, he said. Although they aren't reinventing the wheel, they are working hard to put whatever funds they raise to good use. Night of Hope provides an opportunity to show off what that good use brings.
"It's a time of fellowship for our long term supporters," Benedict said. "It's a time to bring the community together around a cause and to see what the gospel means in real time, in people's lives."
Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com
