Year’s Final Luncheon Provides Inspiration for Local Area Charities

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 14, 2016 -- On December 7, 2016, the final Charity Coalition Luncheon of the year was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Church of Scientology’s religious retreat, the Fort Harrison, with 86 guests in attendance. The featured charity was The Refuge Outreach Church and the educational segment was led by Dr. Greg Winteregg on fundraising.

The Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization hosted the last Charity Coalition Luncheon of the year in the Fort Harrison Crystal Ballroom

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b1f04f4-fc39-4503-9ecd-493c5aaef18c

Dylan Pires, The Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, opened the event by having a representative from each organization, over 50 in all, stand up and introduce themselves. Mr. Pires spoke about the importance of giving to the community.

“During the holidays, all of us look for ways to give back to the community. We look for those opportunities to reach out to our fellow man. We do this because everyone has their own individual rights. Their human rights,” said Mr. Pires.

“No matter their color, creed or background, everyone has human rights. But the problem is: Not everyone knows their rights. It isn’t taught in schools, so the next generation isn’t even thinking with it,” continued Mr. Pires. “Fighting this problem is an organization called United for Human Rights.”

United for Human Rights is an international non-profit, non-religious educational program based off of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its purpose is to teach youth their human rights to create valuable advocates for tolerance and peace.

This led right into the next speaker, Shaun Powers with the Refuge Outreach Church. Mr. Powers explained how the church started in a bus, bringing clothes and food to the homeless in need. As they got bigger, they obtained a property and worked from there. He spoke about their efforts to help the homeless get on their feet and most importantly, get them productive.

Dr. Greg Winteregg then spoke about fundraising. This is a subject that coalition members have repeatedly said they want to learn more about.   At the end of his presentation, Dr. Winteregg said, “No matter what, you should persist, stay passionate and not get discouraged.”

Maurice Mickens, Director of Harlem Nights Benefits said, “The talk on fundraising was very helpful to me. I liked everything he talked about, especially because I found that I do a lot of those things instinctively. I also really like the networking aspect of these events. I met someone today that is going to get involved with my back to school event so that was good!”

The Church of Scientology makes the Fort Harrison available for charities and non-profit organizations to hold their own event. If you are interested in holding your own event, please contact Dylan Pires at (727) 467-6860 or [email protected].

The Fort Harrison Religious Retreat:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home for many community events and charitable organizations. The Fort Harrison's current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 500 community events there since a top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, and incorporated in 1954. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org.

Dylan Pires
(727) 467-6860