Press releases

Birthday bash steers gifts
toward House of Hope

PRESS RELEASE DATE: MARCH 22, 2010

Jim and Dee Thomas in front of a bright yellow 1913 Mercer, one of the many classic cars Jim has restored.

One Martin County couple recently set a prime example of a “party with a purpose” by hosting a milestone birthday celebration that doubled as a food drive.

“I decided we were going to celebrate right,” Dee Thomas said in planning a 70th birthday party for her husband, Jim. “I invited friends from all over the country and throughout his life.”

Jim Thomas insisted that he didn’t need any gifts – that it was important to him at this time in his life to think of the needs of others less fortunate. So the invitation suggested that instead of gifts, guests could bring non-perishable food items that would be donated to House of Hope.

At the party, the House of Hope truck was on hand to collect guests’ donations and bring the bounty to the agency’s main Stuart food pantry.

About 100 guests attended the celebration, which was held Jan. 22 in the building where Jim Thomas maintains his extensive and glittering collection of vintage cars and motorcycles – all of which he has restored himself.

The Thomas gathering had many special features, but any celebration or activity can be a “party with a purpose”. Guests and hosts alike will feel good about giving and receiving gifts of food, clothing, household items or monetary donations that go charity to help others in need.

Dee and her daughter, Stephany Blue, are already planning the “Second Annual 70th Birthday Party” for Jim. Dee said guests will primarily be from the local area, and an even greater emphasis will be placed on giving gifts of food to help House of Hope families in need.

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-4673 or visit www.hohmartin.org.