Over 17 years ago, Shirl Melton came up with a creative idea for a fundraiser that has since evolved into Interfaith Outreach’s premier fundraising gala. Her friend Belle Davenport suggested she present the idea to Executive Director LaDonna Hoy — and the rest is history.
Shirl was selling real estate at the time and worked with many local builders, architects and community clients who were intrigued with the idea of designing and building custom birdhouses that could be sold at an auction. LaDonna named the event “Spread Your Wings.” The first silent auction and dinner took place at Cargill and showcased the power of our volunteers and our community members working together to make the event a grand success. In addition, Shirl was also instrumental in the early days of the Earl Cup golf tournament — wow!
Shirl also became an on-site volunteer at Interfaith Outreach 17 years ago. As an intake specialist, she meets with community members who are coming in for food assistance. Shirl always takes time to listen to their stories, like Ana, whose grandmother passed away just before she left Russia. Shirl reminds her so much of her grandmother that every time Ana is here for classes she runs into Shirl’s office to give her a big hug and always leaves with a tear in her eye. Another woman insists on giving Shirl handfuls of Russian candies every two weeks, laughs and tells Shirl that she’s too thin and then leaves happy.
Thank you, Shirl, for your past contributions and for making every person you meet feel valued!