Blessing House co-founder, Donna Humphrey said she was “very touched” when she learned an Elyria car dealership started a fundraising campaign in December to help offset the organization’s costs.
Humphrey met Nick Abraham in June when he attended an event where donors were invited to view The Blessing House’s new facility on Olivet Avenue in Elyria.
“For him to say, ‘I want to help you,” I was just thrilled,” she recalled.
On Jan. 9, Abraham, his wife Patti, daughter Michelle Sartor and son Michael Abraham personally delivered the $18,700 check to Humphrey and Blessing House executive director Sister Mary Berigan.
Another $100 in cash was presented to the women from Sartor, whose idea started the campaign.
An employee from the dealership donated the money, but wished to stay anonymous, Sartor said.
Throughout December, the dealership set aside $100 for each sale it made, whether it was a new or used vehicle, she said.
“That is so amazing,” said Berigan as she received the check from the Abraham family. “This is great. Thank you so much.”
The Abraham family took a tour of the facility after they presented the check to Blessing House.
“It’s not as much as we wanted,” Nick Abraham told the women.
He said he had hoped the dealership could sell 200 cars which would’ve made the donation $20,000.
But the sales weren’t quite up there last month, Abraham said.
The weather didn’t help, the family said, adding that they expected to sell more vehicles between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Licensed to care for 20 children in need, Blessing House is especially in need of funds due to a recent increase in homelessness, Berigan said.
Sectioned off into multiple areas, the building is comprised of several sleeping rooms for the children, all furnished with beds, supplies and appropriately decorated themes.
A large playroom, not only entertains children from infancy to six years of age, but helps them developmentally, Humphrey said.
Bathing facilities were designed to care for the youngest child to the older ones as well as physically disabled youth.
Donations from multiple people, agencies and faith-based organizations have helped over the years stock up on linens and clothing for the youngsters.
Blessing House takes in children whose families are experiencing a crisis, including homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse issues and more, Humphrey said.
“We have always said if we take care of the children God sends us, he will take care of us, and we have been very blessed,” she said.
