Community news

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Hospital supporters Ain't Misbehavin'

On Friday, Nov. 20, the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation will present its 22nd Annual Foundation Gala, with the theme "Ain't Misbehavin." Guests are encouraged to "get dolled up" and head to the Hollywood social hall for a 1920s-inspired evening.

During the black tie event, guests will have the chance to enjoy appetizers and a creation by Master Chef Ken Upton. Music for dancing will be provided by Highway Star, a variety band.

Proceeds from the gala will be dedicated to the hospital's scholarship program, which provides funding to help train talented local scholars for a career in health care. The money raised may also go toward capital projects for the hospital. Last year's event brought in more than $175,000 for scholarships. To date, the program has funded more than 90 scholarships.

Seating is limited and ticket prices are $200 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and begin at $750. For information call 301-475-6455.

Christmas Caring Program seeks those with holiday spirit

The Christmas Caring Program is beginning its annual appeal. Due to the current economy, the number of families in need has increased. Christmas Caring, coordinated by the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services and the St. Mary's County Department of Human Services, is seeking individuals, businesses and organizations to "adopt" a family for the holiday season.

Participants will receive a gift request wish-list form with information about the adopted family and the children's ages, sizes and gift preferences. Individuals and groups will be asked to make arrangements to deliver gifts or to contact the families to arrange pick-ups.

To learn more about the program, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1849.

Volunteers needed

The Pastoral Counseling Center of St. Mary's is seeking volunteers to fill board vacancies at the end of this year. The center is interested in individuals from the medical, business, financial, legal and religious sectors of the community who are invested in the mission of PCC, which is to provide professional Christian counseling at an affordable rate. Individuals with financial leadership skills and marketing/fundraising skills are needed.

Established in 1983, the center is a nonprofit organization supported by local churches and businesses. The Pastoral Counseling Center of St. Mary's is also a member agency of the United Way of St. Mary's County.

Scouts to collect food

Scouting for Food, a food collection effort, will be carried out by Cub Scouts from St. Mary's County on Nov. 7 to 14.

Scouts from Troop 561 will distribute food drive donation requests (fliers, notes and/or bags) throughout a designated area and then return to collect plastic grocery bags filled with donated food.

The bags are collected and carried to local food pantries, churches, shelters for the homeless and other local agencies that feed the needy.

Choirs needed

Area choirs and praise and worship teams are invited to participate in an event to benefit homeless families in Southern Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California.

To sign up, contact Sheila Davis or Doris Day at 301-994-9580 or e-mail leahshousefriend@msn.com.

Foster families needed for cats

Feral Cat Rescue has a member who is seriously ill, leaving four 8-week-old kittens needing a foster home.  More difficult, there are seven feral cats in her home colony who need barns or other appropriate safe outdoor setting.

Area residents who can help by providing a safe outdoor home for two or more of the feral cats or a foster home for the kittens are asked to call Connie Petty at 301-475-5059.