On September 12, 2024, Missions Inc. Programs hosted its annual Making it Possible fundraising event at the Plymouth Community Center. Attendees enjoyed a casual yet impactful evening filled with Missions Inc. themed mocktails, trivia by Trivia Mafia, a lively silent auction, a delicious dinner catered by Baba’s, and a captivating program with speeches and exciting news to share with supporters. The atmosphere was electric, thanks to the incredible energy brought by Miss Shannon Paul and the competitive spirit of trivia, which kept everyone engaged throughout the night.
The program portion of the night began with a short video highlighting what Missions Inc. staff were most proud of accomplishing over the past year. The video also featured a touching segment where employees and residents shared one word describing how Missions Inc. feels to them. The responses on screen reflected the deep connection many feel toward Missions Inc. and its impact on their lives. View the video here. After the video, guests were invited to participate by filling out cards at their tables, answering the same question: How Does Missions Inc. Feel to You?
One of the most powerful and emotional moments of the night was Jeffery’s heartfelt speech. He shared his personal journey, starting at age 16 when he began selling drugs, and by 23, battling a crack addiction in New York City. By the time he turned 35, Jeffery was caught in a relentless cycle of entering detox and treatment programs, securing a job, and then relapsing. Before arriving at Mission Lodge, he had been through treatment 13 times and detox 23 times. Despite hearing doubts from others, Jeffery decided to give it a try. As he arrived and saw the name “Medicine Lake,” he thought, “I need the medicine from that lake.” Jeffery spoke about the two types of people who come to Mission Lodge—those who survive and those who thrive. He proudly shared that he thrived.
In July 2022, Jeffery began working at Mission Nursing Home, jokingly referring to it as his version of “working from home.” After securing employment, he transitioned into a one-bedroom unit at Smith Lodge, gaining more independence and a greater sense of self-worth. No longer a “charity case,” Jeffery has become a charitable donor, giving back to his favorite causes and contributing positively to the community. He shared how Missions Inc. had become his home, with staff and residents becoming his family, and how he now focuses on self-care rather than self-medicating with drugs. His story, filled with humor and gratitude, deeply moved everyone in attendance.
A key moment of the evening was the introduction of Missions Inc.’s newest program, Bickham Court. Formerly a program of Perspectives in St. Louis Park, Bickham Court is a recovery-focused, 54-unit affordable housing community for women, trans, and nonbinary people, with or without children. The program provides permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness and living with low or no income. You can read more about Bickham Court here.
The fundraising portion of the night was equally successful. We had generous attendees pledge as high as $2,500, and 27 attendees pledged $100 donations during the fund-a-need fundraiser. The silent auction also saw fierce bidding for items like Bob Wagner’s Jar of Agates and Alma’s Affirmation Cards. By the end of the night, more than 60% of attendees had donated, raising an impressive total of $84,583. The funds raised will directly support all eight of Missions Inc.’s programs, as well as the Mission Nursing Home.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors for their generosity, with a special thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, the Plymouth Lions, whose support helped make the night a resounding success.
Together, we continue to make it possible—empowering individuals, supporting families, and transforming lives.
