'Under the Angel Big Top' serves as theme of 37th annual luncheon meeting

FALLBROOK – Members of the Angel Society of Fallbrook celebrated another banner year at the group's 37^th annual luncheon meeting held on May 28 at Pala Mesa Resort.

'Under the Angel Big Top' was the theme of this year’s event, which was attended by an estimated 200 members of the philanthropic organization. Highlights included a 'We Clown Around' fashion show, silent auction, and a raffle that featured a vintage carousel horse, among other unique items.

There were also sales of jewelry, linens, designer clothing and other 'treasures,' with proceeds from the event going towards the group’s philanthropic efforts.

The Angel Society, which was founded in 1978, raises funds year-round through the operation of The Angel Shop, a thrift store staffed entirely by volunteers. In a message to members, president Kathryn Kopitzke gave credit to the store’s many longtime workers. "With your consistent patronage and service to our shop, we have accomplished our goal of furthering education and growth in many areas of Fallbrook."

Kopitzke also noted that the group has continued to reduce the mortgage on its two-story building, which is located on Main Avenue in downtown Fallbrook. "We are well underway to full ownership," she said.

Fran White, philanthropic chair, also made a brief presentation, telling all the 'Angels' who donate their time at the shop, "You have made a difference in many lives."

White reported that a total of 54 local organizations received $134,250 in funds from the Angel Society during its fiscal year from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015. This amount includes donations to several first-time recipients including Home for Our Troops, "to help build a home for a severely injured Marine in Fallbrook," White said.

"We donated to Soroptimist International to help with educational scholarships for girls. We donated to Operation Hope to help the homeless in North County. And we helped Heart to Heart provide a special day for military women and wives," White added.

Last fiscal year, the Angels also awarded a total of $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and students at MiraCosta and Palomar colleges. "I’m excited to expand our scholarship program next year to college students as well as to high school seniors," White said.

Treasurer Alex Wilson presented the organization’s annual financial report. "In the last 12 months, our gross sales totaled $253, 589," Wilson said. "Our sales average out to about $854 per day or a nice tidy sum of $171 per hour. That’s not bad for a business that is only open for five hours a day."

In addition to its monetary philanthropy, the Angel Society also donated recycled merchandise with an estimated value of $126,265 to various nonprofit groups including churches and schools, the Marine Corps, San Diego Rescue Mission, Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary, Lion’s Club, Rally for Children, Boys and Girls Club, Arts in the Park, and Foundation for Senior Care.

Wilson estimates that more than 250 volunteers work at the shop on a regular basis. "I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that we have one of the most profitable businesses in Fallbrook," she said, crediting a large part of the organization’s success to its members.

"This could not have been accomplished without your time, donations (both monetary and merchandise) and loving support through the years," Wilson told attendees.

Donations totaling $13,500 were approved by the board of directors of the Angel Society at its meeting in May.

The Fallbrook Land Conservancy received $6,000 towards a capital campaign to help build trails, install signage and remove debris at its newly acquired Gird Valley Preserve. The 47-acre site is located just west and overlooking the Fallbrook Golf Club.

Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center received $3,000 for its summer camp program. The money is used to help offset costs for field trips, rental and scholarship needs for low-income families. The Angels also donated $500 to sponsor the center’s Tree Lighting event in December.

The Foundation for Senior Care received $3,000 to help offsets the cost of repairs to its facility on Mission Road, and the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance received $1,000 to help sponsor its annual 4^th of July celebration. The event raises funds for the FBA’s various projects including care and maintenance of the downtown flower pots, Jackie Heyneman Park and the Mission Road median.