With the holidays approaching, we are ever so mindful of the outstanding community support received over the past year. On behalf of the FUSION Board of Director’s and the families we serve, FUSION would like to express deep appreciation for the generous donations and volunteer support given to our organization.

We wish to thank those who attended the 22nd annual FUSION Art Event, “Casa Boogaloo” on Aug. 5. Your support helped our all-volunteer organization to raise a record-breaking total of $171,000 net to continue our work. The Cuban-themed benefit spear-headed by Sarah Asay, event chair, was a fabulous garden party at the Dumas Bay Center where approximately 650 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening of live music, salsa-dancing, food, wine and merriment. The CHI Franciscan Health System, Homestreet Bank, and Berkshire Hathaway NW Realty Service were Principal Sponsors and long-time supporter, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, was the honorary chair.

Funds raised at this event, at the newly opened FUSION Décor Boutique at the Gateway Center, and throughout the year are invested in not only housing but support services as well for homeless families in the Federal Way and northeast Tacoma communities. We have the capacity to serve 19 families in fully furnished housing units and contract case management through Catholic Community Services.

The “fusion” of community efforts has enabled our non-profit organization to grow and provide for the needs of families in transition as they work towards self-sufficiency. This year, 11 families exited our program and, of those, 10 families moved on to permanent, stable housing.

On behalf of the FUSION Board of Directors and the families we serve, we again want to thank you for your continued support. Hundreds of volunteers have given their time to FUSION and many businesses, churches, and individuals have sponsored the mission with donations and in-kind services throughout the year. 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 would also like to thank the Federal Way Mirror for their continued support of our mission and for creating community awareness through printed articles about FUSION.

Bob Wroblewski, Chair, FUSION Board of Directors