Fundraiser Will Help Aum Reach Over 2,200 Families In Arlington

March 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact:
Amy Nelson, FUMC of Arlington, anelson@arlingtonmethodist.org, 817-274-2571

FUNDRAISER WILL HELP AUM REACH OVER 2,200 FAMILIES IN ARLINGTON

Annual AUM fundraiser to be held at FUMC of Arlington on April 9

ARLINGTON, Texas (March 11, 2011) – Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM), a nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance to Arlington residents in crisis, will be hosting its 8th annual fundraiser, “Arlington Share,” at First United Methodist Church of Arlington on Saturday, April 9. Funds will benefit AUM programs, specifically those offering rent and utilities assistance to Arlington families.

In 2010, AUM raised $49,700 at its annual dinner and auction fundraiser, helping it reach out to over 2,200 Arlington families.

“Requests have jumped significantly in the last two years with folks losing their jobs or having reduced hours,” says Joan Church, executive director of AUM. “Twice as many families reach out for help as we are able to assist. It’s all about resources.”

Over the past five years, the unemployment rate in the Arlington-Fort Worth area nearly doubled, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic. Hovering around 8%, this is an additional 20,000 individuals often unable to meet their financial needs.

“Our unstable economy still forces people to evaluate which events they can attend and which events they can’t,” says Church. However, she hopes people will choose to attend “Arlington Shares” and “assist their neighbors who are struggling to keep a roof over their families and the heat connected.”

Beyond philanthropy, several sponsors have donated auction prizes including a hot air balloon ride, Texas Rangers tickets and entertainment packages. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is the presenting sponsor.

The event will run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $35. To make reservations and see a full list of live auction items, please visit www.arlingtonurbanministries.org.  

Online Press Room: www.arlingtonmethodist.org/pressroom

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Established in 1878, First United Methodist Church of Arlington is a historic church and vital part of Arlington. FUMC of Arlington has a congregation of approximately 5,000 members and reaches out to our community through our programs.