Xemplar Grants Help Families in Need, Scouts, Schools and Others

The second floor dining room at John Cowley & Sons in downtown Farmington was packed Wednesday afternoon, as the Xemplar Club handed out checks to more than 40 organizations that serve Farmington and Farmington Hills. 

"Today is my favorite day of the entire year," club president Terry Deichert said. "On behalf of the members of the club, I want to thank everyone here for the time and hard work you put in toward making our community the best in the state of Michigan." 

Club member Richard Lerner said the $22,000 given away was raised largely through the Jon Grant Classic golf outing, a euchre tournament and membership dues. For Neighborhood House, the funds will go directly toward helping families in need, in very practical ways, board president Alan Maxey said. 

"It will allow us to provide financial assistance to need famlies in Farmington and Farmington Hills who come to us to help them avoid being evicted or having their utilities shut off," he said. "The number of residents that are coming to us continues to grow, and the contributions we get from community groups really helps out." 

Other organizations supported include:

• American Legion Boys State
• American Legion Girls State
• Boy Scouts of America Great Lakes Council
• Call to Action Coalition
• Care House
• Common Ground Sanctuary
• Community Living Centers
• Dr. Paws Pet Therapy
• Farmington Community Band
• Farmington Community School Senior All Night Party
• Farmington High School Senior All Night Party
• Farmington Hills After-School Program
• Farmington Hills Senior Transportation
• Farmington Players Barn
• Farmington Youth Assistance
• Farmington-Farmington Hills Foundation - Bountiful Backpack Program
• Farmington Public Schools Turn Around Awards 
• Friends of the Farmington Community Library
• Girls Scouts of America - Farmington Area Neighborhood Service Units
• Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund for Suicide Prevention
• Harrison High School Senior All Night Party
• Harrison High School Theater Program
• Haven House 
• Heritage & History Center 
• Life Remodeled
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Mayor's Youth Council
• Meals on Wheels
• Mercy High School Senior All Night Party
• Neighborhood House
• North Farmington High School Senior All Night Party
• Paws with a Cause
• Salvation Army
• Samaritan Counseling Center
• Six Books/One Summer 
• Special Olympics Team Farmington
• Sweet Dreamzzz
• Underground Railroad Flight To Freedom
• YMCA After-School Program