HEARTS OF GRATITUDE

We have been so grateful for the support we've received recently through stateside fundraisers. These events are crucial for the continuation of the ministry we do here in Ukraine. Thank you to those who joined us - you have played a huge part in sustaining the work of Open Arms this year.

from Chelsea Rollins...

SILENT AUCTION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

On September 8th, all the hard work that went into planning a fundraiser event finally came together as over 50 people gathered to show their support for Open Arms. So many people were involved in order to make this a success. Items were donated and bid on for a silent auction, food was prepared, information about Open Arms was displayed, and games and a photo booth were ready for the kids! It was a hot but fun afternoon of fellowship with family, friends, and supporters of Open Arms. Thank you so much to everyone who was involved in one way or another! Your generosity, prayers, and support are such an encouragement to the Open Arms team. We could not do what we do without you!

from Annie Carbonaro...

"DINNER FOR GOOD" IN THE BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

Last week marked the Second Annual Dinner for Good in the Bay Area and the night was sweet indeed! The vision of the night is to bring together community, utilizing the gifts and talents of the body of Christ and doing it all to support a bigger cause. That vision came together in a simply beautiful way as Paul Keim (Smalltown Society) and friends (Tammy & The Silverspoons) showed off their mad musical skills while all who attended enjoyed the ridiculously amazing dishes of braised pork and more by Spencer Huey (Salt House) with the help of his rockstar sidekick Kensey Vold. And please, let us not forget the fruit tartlets that topped off the night by the always-fabulous Cortney Marcus and Cathy Keim (Petal and Posie Cakes). All of this was captured by the ever-so-talented Cathy Breslow (Breslow Imaging DfG album here). Open Arms was hugely blessed by all who gave of their gifts, time, and finances to make this night so great! THANK YOU! Now, we're not sure how we will top this year's Dinner for Good, but we've got a year to make it happen. Be on the look-out!





from Melissa Keane...

FIRST ANNUAL OAU WALK IN THE BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

On Saturday, September 14th, we had our first annual OAU Walk. Whenever you do anything for the first time, it turns into a lesson for how to do it the next time. We learned a lot and are already excited for next year. Thank you so much to those who came out and for those of you who couldn't come but supported anyway. We had a fun time showing off our awesome t-shirts while walking around Concord, California. A special thanks goes to Angie Lagusis and Konni Stalica for putting on the walk. OAU is truly so thankful for your support.

THE HEART'S DEEPEST NEED

from the heart of Melissa Keane...

Ivan is one of the newest additions to the ministry of Open Arms. He came from a different orphanage than the one we typically work with and just graduated from trade school. When one of our other grads invited him to one of our Wednesday meetings, Ivan started coming and we had the pleasure of getting to know him. You could tell he was looking for a safe place to just belong and enjoy relationships. Ivan seems to have some fetal alcohol issues and it's obvious that he's been made fun of his whole life. Despite this, you will always see the biggest smile on his face. We had been inviting Ivan over to the Open Arms apartment from time to time but one day he just stopped by unannounced. Once he came inside, it was obvious that he was hungry and just needed some people to love on him and listen to the events of his day. I love that God brought Ivan into our lives so that we could be a help and source of love to him. I'm so excited to see what God is going to do in his life. 

TAKE STRIDES TO BRING HOPE

If you haven't heard, we've got some exciting news: September 14th will mark our first annual Open Arms Ukraine Walk! This is a great way to get your family and friends together for a fun day while supporting a great cause. All proceeds go straight into helping orphans in Ukraine find hope and love!

The event will include a 2-mile walk, games, photo booth, bake sale, and so much more! 

So, save the date. Sign up. And walk for a good cause!

Where: Ygnacio Valley Christian School 
(4977 Concord Blvd, Concord, CA)
When: September 14th at 9am

Follow THIS LINK to get registered* today!
(Registration includes a t-shirt.)

If you would like to volunteer for the event or need more information, feel free to contact Melissa Keane at melissajanell@gmail.com.