The Metro Auxiliary is a group of women dedicated to supporting Metro's programs.  Each auxiliary member represents a United Methodist Church in the St. Louis region and helps to garner support from the United Methodist Church and its congregation members.

METRO HOMELESS CENTER AUXILIARY OFFICERS

President                                             
Kim Pacatte 

Treasurer
Charlene Green

Vice President                                                      
Pam Schmidt

Corresponding Secretary
Virginia Campbell

Secretary
Jenny LaMore

Membership Chairs                                                                                            
Sylvia Moore                                       
Doris De La Roche

TLC                                      
Beverly McIntosh

^{The Metro Auxiliary}

The Metro Auxiliary welcomes anyone who feels this is a place where they can serve.  Auxiliary meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, September through June at St. John’s United Methodist Church.  St. John’s is located at the corner of  Kingshighway and Washington.  Their phone number is 314-361-3543.  As the needs of Metro Ministry changes, the goals of the Auxiliary will also change.  However, your support, either in time, talent, funds or prayers is always needed and appreciated.

ABOUT THE METRO AUXILIARY
The Auxiliary can trace its roots back to 1981, as result of efforts by Karen Jones, a member of Kirkwood United Methodist Church, and the Reverend Kenneth Gottman, then director of Metro Ministry.  Reverend Gottman and Karen envisioned a group of church members who would be the voice for Metro Ministry in their home churches.  Acting as a liaison, Auxiliary members would advocate for financial and in-kind support for Metro Ministry and its programs.

While the original emphasis of the Auxiliary was on supporting the direct service component of Metro Ministry, (food and clothing pantry), recent effort have shifted to focus interest and fund-raising efforts toward the entire organization.

Since it inception, the Metro Ministry Auxiliary has been comprised of either appointed or volunteer representatives United Methodist Conference churches.

“No-Tea Party” – the “No-Tea Party” is a fairly new fundraiser wherein members give their friends an invitation to support Metro.  A tea bag is attached to the invitation, and it is hoped that, in lieu of baking, dressing up and attending a function, supporters will enjoy a cup of tea while writing a check to Metro.  Invitations are sent out in February or March each year. This year, the “No-Tea Party” raised over $3,000 for Metro’s programs.

Annual Fall Fling – Providing an opportunity for supporters of Metro to share a meal and fellowship together, the annual fling is a luncheon in the fall or spring complete with a wonderful meal and program. This fund-raiser is designed to promote the efforts of Metro Ministry to the various churches.  This event typically raises over $1,500 annually to support the program at Metro.

Recognition Luncheon - the purpose of this event is to honor those who have made significant contributions either to the Auxiliary, Metro Ministry or to their local church.  Monies are donated in their honor and a short message of remembrance is given.  This even raises over $1,000 each year.

Theater Evening - Since 1997, this event has served as the major fund-raiser for the Auxiliary.  Held each summer, the event has played host to, “Life with Father” “Gi Gi” and “The Curious Savage”.  Since its inception, the Theater Evening has raised over $5,000 to support Metro’s programs. This year’s Theater Evening – Drama at Inish by Lennox Robinson -was scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 7:45 p.m. at the Fontbonne Universary New Theatre.

To raise additional funds, the Auxiliary sells dish cloths and bakery goods on behalf of Metro Ministry.

SUPPORT PROJECTS
As well as leading efforts to assist Metro in providing services to homeless and at-risk families in our community, the Auxiliary works with other ongoing community projects throughout the year.

Share A Christmas - This project enables families served by Metro to receive at least one new gift at Christmas, as well as the makings for a complete Christmas dinner.  Auxiliary members encourage their church members either individually or by groups to adopt a family, shop for them and deliver all of the items for distribution before Christmas.  Each year over 140 families benefit from this program.

Ongoing Activities - Assistance is also provided to the Shalom House Shelter Programs.  During the past year, the Auxiliary adopted a living space for a resident of the Shalom House Transitional Housing Program.  In this effort, Auxiliary members provided linen, storage compartments, pillows and other household items to make this living space feel and look like home.

Under the leadership of Ms. Earline Falker, of Union Memorial United Methodist Church, ongoing interaction and spiritual support is given to ladies in he Shalom House Emergency Shelter Program.  Ms. Falker coordinates a program of weekly activities which include holiday parties throughout the year.