Thank You for Attending CFNC's 2011 Spring Benefit!

CFNC held its 2011 Spring Benefit, Moonlight on the Potomac, on Friday, May 13, 2011
at the beautiful home of Jennifer and Jim Rooney in Alexandria. THANK YOU to all who attended to support the children and families of CFNC.

Nearly 300 guests, including Congressman Jim Moran, celebrated CFNC's 27 years of good work in the community as well CFNC's new Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Margaret Patterson. It was a lovely party with delicious food, wonderful company, an exciting Silent Auction and

From left: Ellen Walter, Congressman Jim Moran, LuAnne Griffin, Robbie Aiken and Tom Scully

magnificent views of the Potomac River--all in support of CFNC's mission to provide caring, high-quality, free education and related services to at-risk children and their families in their own neighborhoods in order to prepare them for success in school and life.

CFNC would like to thank the Rooneys for sharing their lovely home and hosting the event as well as the 2011 Benefit Committee for their never-ending hard work and creativity. A very special thanks to CFNC's generous sponsors that helped make this year's Benefit a success. These include:

Gold Sponsors
CNA
Lisa & Phil Herget
Elizabeth & Bill Marino
Linda & Steve Weitz

Silver Sponsors
The Lukens Company
Ann & Tom Scully

Bronze Sponsors
Anne B. McCormack Foundation
ARPC
Rita & Dennis Meyer
Patton Boggs LLP
Gayla & Rick Reed
Kate Boyce Reeder & Joe Reeder
Rent-A-Center
Jen & Win Sheridan


Copper Sponsors
Loran & Robbie Aiken
The Birchmere
Bruhn-Morris Foundation
Margaret & Marvin Bush
Liz & Michael Chiaramonte
Courtney & Christopher Cox
Anne & Michael Donohue
Sheila & James Fleming
Dawn & Philip Garrett
Kim & Joe Gess
Marilyn & Geoffrey Giovanetti
Gage & Michael Gribbon
Amy & Dave Hawkins, McEnearney & Associates
Landon & Scott Holden
Julie & Bill Howard
IDI Group Companies
IPSA for Hair / NECTAR Skin Bar
Leigh Ann & Peyton Jackson
Emily & Robert Jones
Stacey & Camp Kaufman
Maura & Chris Lindsay
Lobkovich Kitchen Designs
Diane & John Mauk
Allison & Brian McVay
Catie & Steven Peterson
Janet & Rick Price
Marnie & John Repetti
Jennifer & Jim Rooney
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Georgia & Jay Sullivan
Diane & Joseph Thomas
Elizabeth & Bradley Todd
The Honorable John & Jeanne Warner
Hartley & Kevin Wensing
Robin & Jon Williams

Another May Celebration: Honoring CFNC's Rich & Diverse Cultures

CFNC's Multicultural Celebration took place on Wednesday, May 18 with 335 children and their families, ESL students, service providers, and City of Alexandria dignitaries in attendance. The purpose of this annual event is to celebrate CFNC's diversity by bringing our multicultural families together for a day of fun, music, and games for all. As part of the celebration, families are encouraged to wear traditional dress from their native countries.

The activities provided were made possible by monies raised from raffle tickets sold by CFNC student's parents. This year, participants enjoyed face painting, a variety of games and arts and crafts, a clown, a larger than life Elmo, a moon bounce, petting zoo and pony rides -- to name a few! A variety of service providers were also present at the event to serve the needs of CFNC's clients, including PNC Bank, The Center for Employment Training, and a Nurse Practitioner offering health information.

Among the City of Alexandria dignitaries in attendance were Congressman Jim Moran and Councilman Rob Krupicka.

CFNC thanks the Birchmere for opening up their dining space for the multicultural feast when the weather turned to rain. This year's meal represented 23 countries and 10 languages and was full of delicious treats. No doubt that a wonderful time was had by all at the 2011 Multicultural Celebration!

Congratulations to CFNC Social Worker, Ansley Shackelford!

Ansley Shackelford, who has been a Social Worker at CFNC since 2002, graduated from George Washington University on Saturday, May 14 with her Master's Degree of Education in Counseling. CFNC staff is very proud of her accomplishments and thrilled that her new expertise will be enriching our programs.

Ansley is considered a Superwoman around CFNC. Not only did she manage a full-time course load at George Washington University, but she worked full-time at CFNC, held a weekly Mother's Group for CFNC moms, actively volunteered in the community and still managed to be a stellar Mom to her own three children!

Ansley celebrated her accomplishments on Graduation Day with her family. Ansley noted that her children were especially excited and joyful as they watched her accept her diploma and walk across the stage. Congratulations, Ansley!