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In yet another honor for its extraordinary work, the Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center recently was recognized with the Outstanding Innovation in Fundraising Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Hampton Roads Chapter.

Ralph and Lorna Slaughter started the fellowship center many years ago when they recognized the need in Suffolk. The past few years, though, have seen a boom in their work, and during the pandemic, they took it to even higher heights.

During the pandemic, the fellowship center organized drive-through events in different areas where people could obtain food and other necessities in a safe manner and without having to drive all the way to the East Washington Street location. Areas such as Holland, Whaleyville, Chuckatuck and more benefited from this effort.

The fellowship center also has brought in partners to help people access resources such as health insurance, mental health counseling and more, many of which have been in great need during the pandemic.

Ralph and Lorna Slaughter surely haven’t done all of this hard work to get awards from fundraising groups, although they certainly expressed their appreciation for the Association of Fundraising Professionals taking time to recognize them.

The reason they do this work is simply because the need is there, and because Christ has called His followers to try to meet these types of needs.

For them, the true reward here on earth is seeing the gratefulness of people who have had their needs met through the hard work of the Slaughters and their donors and volunteers. We think the Slaughters and their volunteers will find some treasure stored up in Heaven, as well.

Congratulations to Ralph and Lorna Slaughter and their helpers for everything they do.