It is 2024, and this letter is intended to inform everyone of how effective the Family Benevolent Fund was in 2023. We had an amazing journey throughout the year. In April, Waterfall Jewelers (White Lake & Waterford) sponsored us with their “Watch Battery Replacement Drive.” It was a great success and helped promote our 2023 Annual Comedy/Dinner Fundraiser in May.

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The Comedy/Dinner Fundraiser, sponsored by “The Dr. Fugile Foundation,” was a wonderful event where we shared our stories and successes with friends and family. Two individuals each gave a $5,000 challenge, aiming to raise $5,000 from those in attendance in addition to raffles and door prizes. The crowd responded enthusiastically and surpassed the challenge in just twelve minutes, allowing us to raise well over $15,000. I was completely blown away by everyone’s energy, generosity, and support for our cause.

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Also in May, we committed to offering five $500 scholarships to Oxford High School for their awards ceremony. Oxford H.S. seniors who wished to be eligible had to submit an essay for consideration. The maturity, heartfelt selflessness, and desire to make a difference, both now and in the future, moved our group. Originally, we planned to give five scholarships, but we were so touched that we decided to award all fifteen applicants with $500 each.

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An unexpected but welcome development was the number of organizations that reached out to us, saying, “We are hosting a fundraiser, we believe in what you’re doing, and we’d like all the proceeds to go to the Family Benevolent Fund.” When I asked, “What do we need to do?” the answer was simply, “Just show up and tell our group about what the FBF does.” So, we did! We attended G’s Pizza in Oxford for their comedy night, The Eagles in Rochester for their “Widows Night/Hunting Season Opening Eve,” and Great Oaks C.C. President’s Night. These groups were incredibly generous and gracious in supporting our organization.

 

Each time we receive an application, we are entering the life of someone facing hardship with nowhere to turn. We respond as quickly and effectively as we can. I am proud to say that our team responds to applications within 24-48 hours, contacting the requesting party and working alongside them to assist and encourage. This past year, we have helped with mortgage payments, medical expenses, utilities, car payments, funerals, partial payment for a PTSD therapy dog for a law enforcement officer, and rehab for first responders struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. These opportunities allow us, as First Responders, to help the community in ways we can’t in our daily routines. By providing confidential and discreet support, we can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, which is both humbling and rewarding.

 

This past Christmas, in 2023, we sponsored twelve families within Oakland County. Ten families were chosen with the help of the Oakland County Sheriff School Resource Officers, one family came from HAVEN of Oakland County, and another from CARE House of Oakland County. We received wish and need lists from each family, and our team purchased toys, cleaning supplies, clothing, dinners (at local restaurants where the families live), and gas cards—all through 100% donations. In total, $12,000 was used to give these struggling families a Christmas with less stress and more peace.

 

2024 has already started strong, with applications coming in weekly, fundraisers being planned, and new partnerships being formed with the Family Benevolent Fund. We are incredibly grateful to those who trust us with their hard-earned money, and we take our responsibility as stewards seriously. I’m proud to report that we have maintained a 1.58% operating cost. Our organization is completely voluntary, with no money collected for gas, phones, or our time.

 

We are looking forward to once again blessing those in need. We are also excited to announce that this year’s Comedy/Fundraiser, sponsored “In Memory of Dr. Fugile,” will be held at Pine Knob’s ‘The Carriage House’ on April 11, 2024. The dinner will be phenomenal, the comics will be top-notch, and the time spent with those who support us will be precious. Let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of First Responders in the State of Michigan and the residents of Oakland County.

From all of us on the board of The Family Benevolent Fund, we thank YOU!

 

Sincerely,
 

Rich Knodel III
President of the Family Benevolent Fund