Dear Friends of FUSION,

Those who attended the 17th annual FUSION Art Event, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” knew from the moment they stepped under the gorgeous grape arbor at the Dumas Bay Centre on Aug. 4, that they were in for a very special experience beyond the front entrance. The Italian-themed benefit was set for a fabulous garden party where approximately 500 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening of entertainment, great food and wine.

With the creative and dynamic leadership of Chairperson Betty Jean O’Neal and with the help of over 100 volunteers, event sponsors and community supporters, FUSION hosted a very successful fundraiser. Net proceeds exceeded $113,000 for their transitional housing program for homeless families. The Mistress of Ceremonies Susie Horan, manager of Prudential Realty NW, and auctioneer, Keith Eldridge, KOMO 4 News Reporter, presided over the evening’s festivities.

Guests savored spectacular culinary delights created by the principle sponsor of the event, Metropolitan Market. Poverty Bay Coffee provided refreshing Italian sodas and Barefoot Winery generously donated all the wine for this year’s event.

Original and creative works of art by 26 local artists were featured in the Art Walk. Silent and live auctions offered numerous items including a beautiful two-week vacation villa in Portugal, donated by Federal Way Muscular Therapy, a cruise on Holland America, wine, dinner parties and exciting vacation packages. These are just a sampling of the many donated auction items for this year’s event.

Guests were greeted by Meredith Connie and Erica Coutsouridis, a flute and guitar duo, and The Bonnie Birch Band played Italian-inspired tunes as strolling musicians on the grounds of the Dumas Bay Centre. On stage, tenor, Gino Lucchetti, serenaded our guests with beautiful music. The stage was set for a Tuscan experience under a beautiful setting sun.

Funds raised at this event will be invested in our transitional housing and support services for homeless families in the Federal Way and NE Tacoma communities. FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed, and Needy) currently maintains and operates 15 fully-furnished housing units and contracts case management services through Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation. FUSION will acquire a 16th housing unit in 2010.

The “fusion” of community efforts has enabled our volunteer-based, non-profit organization to grow and provide for the needs of families in transition as they work toward self-sufficiency. Over the past 17 years, 85 percent of the families we have provided housing to, have successfully moved on to permanent housing.

On behalf of the FUSION Board of Directors and the families we serve, we want to thank you for your continued support. Hundreds of volunteers have given their time to FUSION and many businesses and individuals have given in-kind services throughout the year to FUSION. By working together, we are able to empower families, giving them hope and enabling them to realize their dreams of a stable and secure future.

We wish to also thank the Federal Way Mirror for their continued support of our mission and for creating community awareness.