The Friendship Room thanks for its help | News, Sports, Jobs

Helping Others — Members of the Steubenville Police and Fire Department were among those honored at the Friendship Room’s 10th annual benefit.

STEUBENVILLE — Supporters of the Center of Hope Friendship Room marked the start of another fundraising season by first thanking all those who helped them feed, clothe and shelter those in need in Steubenville and surrounding communities.

The 10th annual Friendship Room, held Sunday at Steubenville High School, recognized the efforts of Steubenville police and firefighters, as well as the Rev. Jason Elliott and Scott Campbell of M&M True Value Hardware.

Friendship Room manager Molly McGovern said about 400 people attended this year’s charity event.

“This year the focus was on honoring our first responders,” McGovern said. “They are always very fast and reliable when we need them.”

The city’s first responders were represented by Police Chief Ken Anderson and Fire Chief Carlo Capaldi, along with several members of both departments.

Elliott received the Monsignor Cornelius Award for his outstanding service to the poor of Steubenville.

“Jason has been a constant presence since we started in 2014,” McGovern said. “He and his congregation give us monthly gifts, he quickly comes to sit on the porch and comforts our guests in distress, and personally, he has been with me through the deaths of family members and friends and in other life situations.”

Campbell, known for his civic involvement, was honored with the Geary Teramana Award for outstanding service to the poor in Steubenville.

“Like Geary, Scott is always reachable by phone.” she said. “He is always so generous with his “time, money and talents.”

McGovern said the event was an opportunity for them to thank community members who help them help those less fortunate throughout the year.

“It was lovely” McGovern said. “There are a lot of churches that support us throughout the year, a lot of businesses that support us throughout the year. We like to take this opportunity to thank everybody, so there’s no cost… it’s free because we like to invite people from all socio-economic classes to come out and support us.”

It is, she said, a chance to “Giving back to the many people who help us throughout the year, the volunteers, the people and organizations who make sandwiches, give us furniture or clothing to help us meet people’s immediate needs.”

“It’s wonderful to see the generous and loving hearts of Steubenville and the surrounding area,” McGovern said. “Even though we hear about many divisions in our country, it is always wonderful to see how united and supportive we are in our community.”

Anthony Mougianis, CEO and President of Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration and long-time community benefactor, “We talked about gratitude and giving back, the need to give back and show our gratitude, and encouraging community residents to share their time, treasures and talents,” McGovern said.

Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons served as master of ceremonies and Commissioner Tony Morelli was the presenter.

Rev. Bradley Greer of St. Peter’s Catholic Church opened the evening with a prayer, while Rev. Vaughn Foster of Relationship Builders Inc. offered the closing prayer.

The dinner was hosted by Pastaio Cucina.

McGovern said the fall fundraising campaign was crucial: The Friendship Room’s meal distributions have skyrocketed as homelessness and unemployment have increased.

“I would say we’re seeing four times more than we normally see,” she said. “We’re now feeding 100 to 200 people a day. That’s an incredible amount of food. We’re very grateful because the community provides the food. People from all walks of life, churches, individuals, businesses, schools… whatever they want to bring us. We’re very grateful (to all of them).”

She said many Ohio Valley residents are struggling to survive, some living in vehicles. Police report others have been caught living in vacant buildings without water, sewer or heat, sheltering on porches and sidewalks downtown or living in tents in wooded areas.

“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of homeless people in our community,” she said. “We really need to raise funds to get through the winter months that are fast approaching.”

Those interested in helping can send checks or money orders to the Friendship Room, PO Box 53, Steubenville, or call (740) 314-5095 for information about the program, how to get involved or to donate online.

“This is really important because we don’t have any additional funding pending, so we really need community outreach and financial support,” she said. “And with winter coming, we really need financial help.”

Friendship Room is an IRS registered nonprofit, so all donations are tax deductible.

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