The countdown is on for a special “Power of 3” Celebration Dinner honoring Mustad Seed Shelter’s 30th anniversary, just two weeks from today, Thursday, November 13, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Dow Event Center in downtown Saginaw.
The Power of 3
Three decades ago, three friends – Leona Sullivan, Rosalie Riegle and Jeannine Coallier – pooled their resources and opened a home to welcome struggling women. Today, Mustard Seed can shelter up to 40 women and children in its spacious home on Cherry Street. The organization has been observing this milestone anniversary throughout 2025 by sharing stories, celebrating and honoring the work of those who make it possible – three pillars around which activities have been planned.
Organizers have set an ambitious goal to raise at least $75,000 to support day-to-day operations and critical services for women and children. There will also be a BIG announcement about the Shelter’s new strategic plan that will provide new opportunities for those they serve as well as long term sustainability for the shelter’s programs!
A Special Evening: November 13 at Dow Event Center
Doors open at 5:15 for a special “Story Walk” exhibit, refreshments, music provided by Major Chords for Minors and a silent auction. Two local celebrities, Jimmy Greene and Katie O’Mara, are serving as honorary chair and emcee, respectively. Greene is Vice President of Marketing & Sales for the Saginaw Spirit and O’Mara is a former TV5 news anchor. Both are well known in the region for championing causes that support women and children.
The evening will also include a presentation of awards and a live auction featuring auctioneer Marty Wegner.
“We’ve replaced our annual Seeds of Hope fundraiser with this event, reducing ticket prices and moving to a larger venue so that more people can participate – because it really is a community celebration. Our generous community makes it possible for us to do what we do and on November 13 we will be highlighting many of the stories about those who have made Mustard Seed possible for 30 years. It’s going to be a very special evening.”
EVENT: Power of 3 Celebration Dinner
WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 6-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:15)
TICKETS: $30
Ticket and sponsor information can be found at themustardseedshelter.org/30years. Those interested in becoming sponsors should email amyroe@themustardseedshelter.org or call Bartels Roe at (989) 295-8392. Event sponsorships begin at just $30 (“Seed Sower”), with levels at $300+ (Faithful Root), $3,000+ (Mountain Mover) and Tree of Life ($30,000+).
“On behalf of our board of directors and those we serve, I am thrilled beyond belief for the generous support from all of our sponsors.” said Amy Bartels Roe, executive director. “The S.H.E. Foundation was our first ‘Mountain Mover’ sponsor, joined by several individuals and families. A number of local businesses have also sponsored at the ‘Faithful Root’ level.”
Homelessness Awareness Month
In the city of Saginaw alone, there are over 350 unhoused individuals at any given time. November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on those experiencing or at risk of homelessness as well as local programs such as Mustard Seed and its community partners working to end homelessness. Mustard Seed is part of a coordinated effort to connect people with housing resources and wraparound services.
“On November 13, we’ll be gathering to celebrate what Mustard Seed has accomplished over the past 30 years, yet we know there is still much to be done,” said Bartels Roe. “We are also looking ahead – to programs and services that empower our guests, to new initiatives and partnerships and ultimately, continuing to work toward preventing and ending homelessness.”
About Mustard Seed Shelter
Since its founding in 1995, Mustard Seed Shelter has welcomed more than 1,700 women and children experiencing homelessness, providing emergency shelter to more than 90 individuals annually and assisting more than 90 people each year with permanent supportive housing services. Learn more at themustardseedshelter.org and on Facebook.