Dear Friends,
Our large, 4-story Marist Brothers’ retirement facility, where 22 elderly and disabled Brothers live, has a lovely backyard. During the summer, many of our elderly Brothers enjoy sitting outdoors – maybe with a glass of cooling iced tea to sip on.
However, the sidewalk that leads to the backyard has been steadily cracking for years. This spring, Brother Thomas, who relies on a walker, and our home healthcare aide headed outdoors for a breath of fresh air. But as the pair strolled along the sidewalk, a crack caught our Brother’s walker and he nearly fell. Thankfully, the aide steadied Br. Thomas – but the experience was upsetting. Br. Thomas just wanted to go back inside. And because the old sidewalk was very narrow, Brothers in a wheelchair could not navigate the damaged, tight path to their backyard.
That’s when we decided to fix the situation and called in construction pros. The team dug up our old sidewalk, replaced it with a wide, smooth sidewalk, and hauled away the debris. It’s perfect…except for the $11,800 price, which is due in 60 days.
Can I count on your support to help cover the new sidewalk’s cost? Your gift will be a blessing!
If you could afford just a bit more, we’re also hoping to raise the funds for a large awning – something that protects our Brothers from the sun as they enjoy their new backyard patio. The awning, including installation, added another $2,000. That brings our grand total to $13,800.
Maria, our senior Brothers’ loyal nurse, was quite persuasive about the awning. Without protective shade, she feared for the Brothers’ health – from sunburn to heatstroke. Of course Maria is right, and the awning is safely in place.
If you could see our Brothers’ smiling faces as they enjoy their backyard, I feel confident that you would applaud our decision to update the cracked, uneven sidewalk and install the awning. Brothers who rarely ventured outside now enjoy fresh air and cheerful conversation under the awning’s cooling shade.
Even though our Brothers consider the update a luxury, it’s really no such thing. Everyone should be able to safely and joyfully enjoy their own home – inside and out!
Your gift will fill our Brothers’ hearts with even greater joy. I pray that you’ll send your support today.
This photo was snapped before
the awning was installed and
the backyard patio cement was
still drying. You can see how our
Brothers would be exposed to
harsh summer rays.
Could you help us with a gift of $15 or more? I assure you, any amount you can afford will be greatly appreciated! It’s like the two nickels tucked in with my letter. One coin alone barely buys anything these days, but the balance doubles when you add the second nickel. In the same way, if every Marist Brothers’ friend sends what they can, the “nickels” add up and soon we’ll have the needed $13,800. Our Brothers’ new sidewalk and awning will be paid for in full!
The Brothers and I want to send “sunshine” your way, too! We look forward to expressing our deep gratitude for your gift. So please remember to write your prayer intentions on the enclosed donation response card and return it to me along with your support. Every Marist Brother will include your intentions in his prayers, for you and your loved ones.
Before I end my note, I want to encourage YOU to get outdoors whenever you’re able. Breathe in the fresh air, watch the neighborhood children play, or find a shady nook for a peaceful nap! It’s a beautiful world out there. I pray that you have the time and good health to enjoy it all.
God bless you for caring so deeply about the Brothers,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
