Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 6, 1993 TAG: 9308060107
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Angels," they call them.
Usually, a nonprofit agency or organization can expect one or two large "angels." And usually, these "angels" are recognized for their substantial support with plaques or the naming of an item in their honor.
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke has had thousands of "little angels" in its 45 years but never one large one, said Joy Sylvester-Johnson, director of development. Its mailing list of supporters contains the addresses of 17,000 households.
Recently, the mission's "angels" have been nearly 340 people who have donated materials, labor or money toward the construction of a 2,300-square-foot log lodge at a Rescue Mission retreat in North Roanoke County.
And like those donors who contribute to causes in large amounts, these donors will be visibly recognized for their support.
The mission is celebrating its 45th anniversary Saturday with a "log-signing." Individuals, businesses, church groups and civic organizations who have "purchased" a log for anywhere from $4.50 to $45,000 will mark their logs with signatures, scripture verses or messages of hope.
"Society is such that people with lots of money are allowed to put their names on something," Sylvester-Johnson said. "It's not very often people like me get to put their name on something."
A flatbed truckload of stacked logs - donated by Shawnee Log Homes in Elliston - will pull onto the parking lot of the Roanoke Airport Marriott on Saturday afternoon. From 5-7 p.m. donors will sign logs while country-and-western musicians, square dancers and gospel singers entertain.
To date, 284 donors have purchased logs, including a foundation that "bought" one for $45,000. Donations total an estimated $104,000, exceeding the Rescue Mission's $100,000 goal.
That money will cover plumbing costs, kitchen cabinets and any services or supplies that have not been donated. It will also pay for a year's worth of operating costs.
Last month, Roberts' Landscaping and Excavating dug a basement and poured footers, at no cost. Members of the Roanoke-area Masonry Contractors Association - Lightweight Block Co., Blue Stone Masonry and Marshall Concrete Products - donated materials for the foundation.
Association members spent two Saturdays last month laying a foundation that is 86 feet long, 30 feet wide and 20 courses of cinder block high.
"We try to donate a project a year in the community," said Rick Gregg, a sales representative with Lightweight Block. "This is a goodwill gesture."
The lodge will rest in the middle of Jubilee Acres, a 15-acre Rescue Mission retreat in the Catawba area of Roanoke County. The lodge, to be built by a contractor who specializes in log-home building, will include a kitchen, dining room, a meeting room and two dormitory-style bedrooms - one for boys and one for girls.
This summer, Jubilee Acres serves as a day camp for children of families who have sought shelter at the Rescue Mission. The number of children attending is limited to 12 per day.
The camp provides wholesome recreation for children. It also gives parents an opportunity to job-hunt, apply for housing and "get their business done" without worrying about what to do with their children, Sylvester-Johnson said.
The camp's focus is on simplicity; nature trails and creek-splashing have replaced swimming pools and tennis courts.
"I doubt if we'll ever have swimming pools and tennis courts," Sylvester-Johnson said. "It's not that kind of camp. We're not trying to razzle-dazzle them. We want to influence the way they think and feel - help them discover something about themselves."
Jubilee Acres was donated last year to the Rescue Mission by its owner, a woman who farmed the land for 25 years before retiring. The acreage is lush with orchards and vegetable and flower gardens, Sylvester-Johnson said.
During the off-summer months, Jubilee Acres will be used for retreats for people trying to get back on their feet - what the mission calls "recovery" - and staff retreats, she said.
The lodge-building project "is a refreshing community experience," Sylvester-Johnson said. "We've had broad-based support. There is no one person but a lot of people doing their own little bit."
\ The Roanoke Rescue Mission has invited all to attend its 45th Anniversary celebration on Saturday. 5-7 p.m. "log-signing" is a free, family-oriented event open to the public. It will be followed by a dinner and anniversary program in the Marriott ballroom. Dinner tickets are $12 per person, $120 per table and available until 5 p.m. Friday. For more information contact the Rescue Mission at 343-7227.
by CNB