PATH Kicks Off $1 Million Campaign

TYLER — Tyler’s PATH agency kicks off its 25th Anniversary “Faith in Our Future” campaign. The fund drive was announced at Thursday night’s PATH 25th Anniversary Dinner, part of PATH Week in Tyler. The goal is go raise $1,000,000 by the end of 2012. PATH officials point out that that more than 26,000 people turn to PATH for help each year — and things have gotten especially challenging since the economy worsened. According to information from the agency, “The funds generated by the 25th Anniversary Campaign will establish a fund to help sustain future, inevitable, economic downturns. This fund will be managed by the Board through special provision policies.” Longtime PATH volunteer C.C. Baker Jr. says $215,300 has been raised so far.

Speakers at the dinner were former PATH Executive Director Nancy Lamar; current agency chief Christina Fulsom; and the Very Rev. M.L. Agnew, who helped organize PATH in 1985. Cecil Ward, who has served PATH in various capacities, won the agency’s Gertrude Windsor Award. PATH officials say that honor, named for PATH’s founder, goes to someone who exemplifies the spirit of PATH by giving selflessly and quietly. The agency’s Stone Soup Award, inspired by the old folk tale “Stone Soup,” went to Emalene Clouse. She crochets baby blankets and donates them to PATH.