PREF club supports area organizations

BY LINDSAY J. JONES

March 28, 2008 05:08 pm

— PLAINFIELD — The Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility chapter of Toastmasters International — the Urban Unity Gavel Club — recently hosted a fundraiser and donated the profits to three organizations.
The club meets weekly, and its mission is to help residents develop their communication skills and learn to relate better to others upon their release.
Last November during National Philanthropic Month, Club Sponsor Dianne Murer, a member of the Twin Bridges chapter of Toastmasters, challenged the group to choose a cause to support.
Residents Troy Malone and Chad Broomfield headed up the project, and members decided to host a fundraiser, selling items from Kentucky Fried Chicken and soda from Marsh to residents for 15 percent above cost.
As part of the project, the group submitted a written proposal to PREF Superintendent Mike Lloyd, which was approved. From the sale, $701.53 was raised.
At the club’s most recent meeting, checks were presented to three groups: $200 to St. Marks Episcopal Food Pantry in Plainfield; $200 to the Sheltering Wings women’s shelter in Danville; and $301.53 to the PREF parenting department to purchase baby changing stations for the restrooms in the visitation room.
Club President Eldridge Harmon said the group hopes to participate in additional philanthropic efforts in the future. Right now, Harmon said he hopes to collaborate with the family unit at PREF to support a local family in need during the next holiday season, as well as a family of one of the residents.
“We understand we have an obligation to the community to build a bridge,” he said. “The true joy of giving comes from the heart. Everyone can be a philanthropist. We can all give.”
Murer said she thinks it’s amazing to watch the residents grow as their participation in Toastmasters continues.
“If you empower them and let them decide what to do, and tell them they have the ability, this is what they can do,” she said.
Murer added that she would like to see the group’s next philanthropic effort include a hands-on activity.
lindsay.jones@flyergroup.com

Photos