Dear Friends,
Do you remember word problems in math class? Here’s a new one to try. Twenty-two Brothers live in a Marist Brothers retirement facility. Each Brother has three meals a day, which requires three dishes, one glass, one coffee cup, and three utensils per meal per Brother. In total, how many dirty dishes, cups, glasses, and cutlery need to be washed and dried at the end of the day? I get 528. And that’s not counting pots, pans, and platters!
I loved word problems when I was a kid, but this one has me distraught – because it describes “real life” in our largest retirement facility. Truth is, the kitchen sink is filled daily with well over 500 items that need washing and drying.
Another truth? The old dishwasher in this large Marist Brothers’ facility is a rumbling, shaking disaster. Since the dishwasher door refuses to seal tight, it also leaks puddles of dirty, unsanitary water during the rinse cycle. We jerry-rigged a fix by wrapping a bungee cord around the dishwasher door, and it works…sometimes. To play it safe, we keep a “CAUTION: SLIPPERY FLOOR” sign at the ready.
We simply cannot cover the cost for a heavy-duty, commercial dishwasher – which totals $5,593.50 after delivery, new electrical wiring for added power, and installation. Your support would be such a blessing to our Brothers. Can we count on your gift?
Whatever amount you can afford – whether $15 or even $25 – will be enormously appreciated.
As water spurts out of this old dishwasher, puddles pool on the floor. It’s a slipping hazard waiting to happen – particularly for our disabled and less agile Brothers. I’m sure you get what I’m talking about here.
What’s less obvious is that the dishwasher is leaking dirty rinse water. The unsanitary puddles just pool on the floor – sometimes for hours – until someone can mop everything up.
That’s why it’s so important that we raise the $5,593.50 needed to purchase a new, commercial dishwasher. We seriously need something that can handle heavy daily loads three times a day without putting the Brothers’ health and safety at risk.
Your support is key to reaching our goal. Please help us!
I assure you – whatever amount you can afford to send matters. Think of the two nickels with my letter. The coins alone won’t buy much, but when you add more nickels, the total grows. In the same way, if every Marist Brothers’ friend sends as many “nickels” as possible, our grand total could very well hit the needed $5,593.50.
We truly appreciate your continued devotion to our elderly and disabled Marist Brothers – and as soon as your gift arrives, the Brothers and I will want to express our gratitude for your kindness. So please, write your prayer intentions on the enclosed donation response slip and return it to me along with your gift. Your special intentions will be remembered in our daily prayers.
As you read this note, summer is coming to a close and the glory of autumn is beginning to show off her beautiful, rich colors. I hope you can take a little time to enjoy the changing leaves, crisp night air, and colorful fall chrysanthemums that brighten up the season.
God bless you for caring,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
