FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024

Open Door Ministries Raised More Than $500,000 at Recent Fundraising Event
Open Door Ministries’ Inaugural Masquerade Gala to Become Signature Fundraising Event

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) - This past Saturday, Open Door Ministries (ODM) hosted its Inaugural Masquerade Gala & Auction at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame with more than 200 people in attendance. This venue provided an elegant environment to recognize the services, and the people of Open Door Ministries. Videos highlighting the stories of guests who have been or are being served in the programs of ODM were shared during the program. Illustrating the personal impacts of homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, and more, the event allowed for the reflection and understanding of those who suffer from some of humanities most 
trying experiences. 

Donated auction items, calls for support, and simple kindness and generosity, led to an outpouring of support for the mission of ODM. Over $620,000 was raised to support each program and facility that aids in the transformation of lives all over the Piedmont Triad. 
Event sponsors such as presenting sponsor Bethany Medical and The Lenny Peters Foundation allowed for an event where all could come together to support our neighbors, our friends, and our families in need. 
Open Door Ministries was proud to recognize many wonderful members of the community who have made on-going differences in the lives of others. 

- Executive Director Ryan Ross recognized his predecessor and longtime Executive Director Steve Key with the naming of the Executive Director’s Office at Open Door Ministries. This recognizes Mr. Key’s dedication not only to Open Door Ministries, but to those in High Point! 
- Ryan Ross also recognized a warm, kind, and generous former board member at Saturday’s event. Wanda Dellinger, who served faithfully for many years and on numerous committees, has a dedication to serving those who are hungry. Open Door is proud to recognize Mrs. Dellinger with the Wanda Dellinger Food Pantry at Open Door Ministries. 

- For decades Open Door Ministries awarded a Volunteer of the Month and Volunteer of the Year award. However, this tradition was lost for many years, until Saturday evening. Director of Advancement Ivan Huffman spoke to the significance of volunteers and the over 700 individuals assisted by the Food Pantry every month. This year, ODM was proud to recognize three dedicated volunteers as ODM reinstates the Volunteer of the Year award. 
o 3 Years of Service – Evelyn Sturgill

o 4 Years of Service – Aaron Richardson 
o 8 Years of Service – Hoyt Phifer 

In addition the John Yowell Good Samaritan Award was presented. John Yowell is remembered by all who knew him for his dedication to community, his caring and passionate heart, and his involvement in Open Door Ministries, Hospice of the Piedmont, The Piedmont School, Old Dominion Trucking, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. His dedication led Open Door Ministries to adopt the John Yowell Good Samaritan Award in his honor to recognize dedicated, compassionate, and giving in our community. ODM was unable to award the John Yowell Good Samaritan Award since 2021, and this year presents this award to two very deserving former members of Open Door Ministries Board of Directors, and community leaders who represent High Point with dignity and respect. Megan Ogelsby, John’s daughter, was present Saturday to receive the award to Don Shaw on his behalf as he was unable to attend. Don’s humor, grace, dignity, and compassion as well as firm belief in the future of Open Door Ministries has made him worthy of an award with such honor. Lore Fariss, past board chair, was recognized for her dedication to Open Door Ministries, and countless other non-profits as she continues to lead the community in efforts to expand services and recognize the dignity of those who may not have the same opportunities as others. Her compassion and care make her a wonderful recipient to continue the legacy of Mr. Yowell. ODM would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and enjoyed an evening centered around one thing...hope. Open Door strives to provide hope and with the generous support of our community, hope can continue to be spread to those affected by mental and physical health issues, homelessness, hunger, and devastating crisis's.

ABOUT OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES
Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people regain their lives through supportive services and emergency assistance. Our programs and services are solution-oriented, and ministry minded, including the operation of a homeless shelter, serving daily meals, distributing non-perishable and fresh food, obtaining permanent housing, providing emergency assistance and acquiring 
and maintaining permanent jobs.

Our mission is "to serve, empower, and minister guests in order to prevent and end hunger and homelessness through advocacy, education, housing, and coordination of services."

Photos can be found at: www.opendoorministrieshp.org/gala

For questions about this press release, scheduling interviews, or follow-up, please contact, Ivan Huffman Director of Advancement - Open Door Ministries of High Point Inc. 
Ihuffman@odm-hp.org / 336.819.8440 / 336.885.0191 ext. 440