What did it take to bring this about?

Try this: Ten members of the Silver Bells Committee, with three more stepping up when a SBV resident enlisted members of the Frisco Bar Association to contribute, 42 more neighbors who shopped, nearly $13,000 in contributions, and about 500 hours combined work.

Let’s start with some names. Eileen McLoughlin chaired the Silver Bells Committee, with members Jan Chavoya, Sandi Danna, Julie Gefteas, Gail Jones, Brigid Lund, Katie Scullen, Patti Small, Lisa Stubbe, and Margie Zivney.

Debbie Mackoy Frankum was the lawyer who publicized the effort to the Frisco Bar Association. Their generous contributions put Jan Orendain, Stacey Aziz, and Patty Watts to work. And again, another 42 residents contributed time and money to the effort.

From those freely given dollars and volunteer time, 72 of the 118 clients, senior citizens living in reduced circumstances in Frisco, received a pile of gifts, with the rest of the clients served by other business and neighborhood associations.

For years, SBV resident Brigid Lund, former Chair of the Board and longtime supporter of Frisco Family Services, was the power behind the Silver Bells program. Nearly single-handedly, she contacted area residents to make sure that these vulnerable senior citizens got at least something they wanted/needed for Christmas.

The highly energetic Eileen has now stepped up to lead this effort, giving Brigid a long-needed break from all the leadership work. A consummate delegator, Eileen had each of her committee members deliver the wish lists and other pertinent information to smaller groups of neighbors who had signed up to sponsor a senior.

The general idea: each client listed three items valued at $50 each that would make his/her life better. The items ranged from clothes to toasters, with good quality shoes being a major need. Those signing up to sponsor could work in teams of three with each person putting $50 in the kitty to take care of one client, or individuals could sign up to purchase all the gifts for one person--or, as many did, for more than one.

Eileen did not know at the beginning how many Stonebriar residents would volunteer their time and funds, so, as more contacted her about the program, she kept the FFS Director of Strategy, Joni Klarin, informed about the number of clients we could sponsor.

Originally, we had 43 clients, but many more were in need and that is where the Frisco Bar Association came in. After Debbie Mackoy Frankum let them know of the need, money started pouring in, and suddenly, there were enough funds for 29 more people.

At that point, three women I'm calling "The Powerful Three" stepped up: Jan Orendain, Stacey Aziz, and Patty Watts. These three women did ALL of the shopping for those last 29, bringing the total number we helped to 72!

Although much of the shopping could be done online, some store visits were mandatory. Also, since only half of the grant money requested was received, FFS turned to the Silver Bells Committee to use the additional sponsorship money to make sure each senior got a robe.

The grant money that was received made it possible to arrange for each client to also get a set of pj's to go with the robe, adding necessary personal care items, all in the correct sizes and properly labeled with an identifying sticker for each recipient.

The work was not yet done: The committee members delivered all those items to the Frisco Family Services headquarters, just off Main Street near downtown Frisco, for sorting, labeling, and wrapping. Six of our intrepid residents helped with that massive wrapping project, along with other volunteers from around the community.

A luncheon on Dec 8 capped the effort. The Boxer Family Room was transformed from the gathering/sorting/packing room into this lovely dining venue, set up to make this a very special occasion. Each one of these senior citizens went home with full tummies AND full gift bags, which they could open at their leisure.

If you missed the opportunity to get involved in this program, you'll have your chance next year. Don't hesitate to reach out to Eileen Mcloughlin and she will be sure to add you to the list of sponsors when the time comes.

Indeed, this neighborhood gave a gift worth giving.

And we need not stop there. One thing I always say about the work being done by FFS is, "It's about the children."

Yeah, although this focus was on our sweet senior citizens--and there are way too many falling into the deep cracks of the financial crisis--ultimately, this is about the children whose parents or guardians, generally by unexpected job losses, need temporary help. And FFS does exactly that with an amazing success rate as they help these families return to financial self-sufficiency.

During the process, children often turn to school breakfasts and lunches for extra nutrition. While most of us mature folk try to keep our calorie counts down, active children and teens need a LOT of high-quality calories every day if their bodies and brains are going to grow properly.

Did you know that your brain, only about 2% of your body weight, consumes about 20% of the calories you take in just to think? So what happens to young people in active growing mode with hours of schoolwork on their schedules when they have only poor quality or insufficient amounts of food coming into their systems?

What happens? We lose a generation of brain power! And that is where the annual Frisco Family Service Gala comes in. Every year, on the last Saturday in March, supporters of the great work done by the staff and volunteers come together to enjoy a good meal, fun music, a silent auction, AND a fast-paced live auction.

The dinner is $175/seat, and the limited number of lottery tickets go for $5O/apiece. The prizes are pretty darn amazing for the lucky winners.

The live auction features great events and fun travels. A couple of years ago, my husband and I made the high bid on a fabulous trip to NYC to see Billy Joel in concert as well as a Broadway Musical—we chose The Music Man with Hugh Jackman—two delightful performances, a fantastic hotel, and an all-around wonderful trip!

Now, where do these donated funds go? Among other things, they make sure that these growing children with hungry bodies and brains are getting nutritious meals all summer long—no school meals are available during those months. It also stocks the FFS Marketplace, available only to clients, and keeps it filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and good quality protein sources along with those ever-necessary personal care items

Our generosity makes it possible for the bodies and brains of our future to grow to maturity.

This dressy, fun event will be held at the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Main Street, at 6:00 pm, on March 23, 2024.

Careful scheduling means that this year, SNC won't have a competing event on the night of the Gala, so why don't we see how many tables we residents of Stonebriar Village can fill?

If you have a company that donates charitable funds, consider a table sponsorship. Or just treat some friends—buy a table and invite them to join you! Let’s fill the place in 2024 with the wonderful people from our neighborhood and continue to participate in this transformational work.