Interfaith Caregivers Celebrates 20 Years with “Angel Fund” Birthday Cake

HAMILTON, N.J. - May 6, 2014 - PRLog -- As part of its 20^th anniversary celebration, Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) is offering the public an opportunity to be part of its milestone celebration by purchasing birthday candles to benefit the nonprofit’s Angel Fund. The Angel Fund provides financial assistance to elderly Mercer County care receivers facing financial hardship.

ICGMC Executive Director Jane Latini, and Development Committee Chairperson Eileen P. Thornton announced the special fundraiser this week, explaining, "Candles and cakes are traditionally part of birthday celebrations. Interfaith Caregivers is inviting our community -- businesses, individuals and organizations -- to purchase special candles to shine with brightness just like our wonderful volunteers who have brought light, love and hope to nearly 3,000 homebound seniors and people with disabilities since we opened our doors in 1994. Donors can include a message and the name of the person or event the candle may honor or memorialize.”

ICGMC birthday candles, which are offered for either $20 (to be placed on the cake’s second or third tiers) or $200 (to be placed on the cake’s top tier) will light up a very special birthday cake display -- and all messages and contributors will be included in a commemorative book and listed on the website at www.icgmc.org/?p=1997.  The cake will be on display throughout the year at ICGMC’s office and at the agency’s events and outreach activities.

Jane Latini describes the Angel Fund as an important part of ICGMC’s ongoing efforts to help seniors and people with disabilities age with dignity and independently in their homes. "We created the Angel Fund in 2011, with help from a grant, to provide short-term assistance to our most needy care receivers,” she explains. “Unfortunately, the grant has expired, but the need for the Fund has only increased. We have recently utilized it to purchase medical equipment, food, temporary shelter, utilities and other services when a volunteer reports that a care receiver is facing a financial crisis. It helps reduce stress and anxiety in the lives of people who are often very fragile. In several instances, the funding has helped people stay in their beloved homes.”

Eileen Thornton suggests supporters buy candles in their name and in the name of loved ones. “Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are fast approaching. Making a gift to a local agency that provides free caregiving services to hundreds of homebound elderly men and women in our community is a lovely and unique way to honor or remember a parent or grandparent at this time,” she says. “This is a gift that will continue to give to others!”

Visit www.icgmc.org/Important%20Information/light-the-cake/, or call 609-393-9922 for further information on buying candles. Checks payable to ICGMC can be sent with tribute messages to ICGMC at 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 16, Hamilton, NJ 08619.

About Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County
ICGMC relies on more than 300 dedicated volunteers from 29 interdenominational congregations throughout Mercer County, as well as individual, corporate, foundation and government support. Its mission is to promote the independence and dignity of homebound elderly and people with disabilities by matching them with caring volunteers who assist with the tasks of everyday life. Volunteers are professionally screened and trained, and all services are provided without proselytization or regard to religious affiliation. ICGMC is celebrating its volunteers and its 20 years of service to the community with special events and programs throughout 2014. To request services, volunteer, or support Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, visit www.icgmc.org or call 609-393-9922.