It all began when an employee of Faulkner Real Estate shared how she had benefited
“I was drawn in by the fact that one organization could have such a profound influence on someone’s life,” said Theresa Settle with Faulkner Real Estate. “I strongly believed [The Patch] should be something we supported with our generosity.”
This belief led to a series of annual fundraising events—all designed to purchase food items for the Cabbage Patch pantry, back-to-school supplies, and the presents and food for Cabbage Patch families at Christmas.
An annual bowling tournament held each spring is Faulkner’s primary fundraising event.
“We were looking for a way to have an event fundraiser whereby we could involve our employees and vendors for the support of an organization that helped the community,” Theresa explained. “Bowling was a fun activity that we could involve our employees, their families, and our vendors in. The event has grown through the years, and now we have raffle items that have been donated by various businesses in the area.”
At the bowling tournament a couple of years ago, someone approached Theresa and asked who the event was benefiting.
“I told her that we were having a fundraising event for The Cabbage Patch Settlement House. She looked at me rather surprised and said: ‘Oh my gosh, I grew up going to the Patch. If it wasn’t for them, my family would never have survived.’ She went on to say that the Patch provided her family with food and helped her and her brothers and sisters after school. She said they made a difference in her family. What better testimonial is that for the good works being performed by The Patch!”
Faulkner has several other social event activities during the year that they use to raise money for support.
“We have a March Madness Chili Cook-Off and Bake Sale which is very fun and well supported by the employees. The winner of the chili cook-off contest has their name placed on a replica of a fire hydrant.”
Faulkner also raises money each Friday when employees donate $1 to wear jeans.
“We continue to support The Cabbage Patch from year to year because we can see the impact it has on families,” Theresa said. “We receive thank you notes in the mail from kids we have helped through school supply donations. And the faces of delight that we see when we deliver Christmas presents and food to families who were not expecting to have a Christmas at all.”
“I want others in our community to know that the services The Cabbage Patch offers make a difference in people’s lives,” Theresa said. “The support they provide is good, as they say, for both the ‘body and the soul’. They believe in what they do and the many accomplishments that come from the services they provide speaks for itself. “