Assurance Home hosts banquet
Rich Jacques, Record Staff Writer
Roswell Daily Record

In her days every man shall eat in safety
Under his own vine what he
plants; and sing
The merry songs of peace to all
his neighbors.

William Shakespeare

Under a crepuscular light, the birds and jazz band filled the air of the wooded grounds of Assurance Home of Roswell with music while the generosity of those in attendance mingled with the gentle breezes to create an ambiance of warmth, kindness and altruism, all for a righteous cause.

For $100 a plate, about 130 people experienced the Shangri-la type setting while, at the same time, helping the young people housed at the home to a better life.“It’s just been a lovely treat for a good social organization and it’s benefiting something that is important,” said guest Kate Daniels of Roswell, while returning to one of the many elegant dinner tables nestled beneath the trees in front of the white chapel at the haven for troubled teens.

As the Roswell High School Jazz Band entertained, patrons to the outdoor fund-raiser were treated to fine food donated entirely by Peas ‘N’ Pod Catering of Santa Fe and an art exhibit by nationally renown artist and Roswell resident Kim Wiggins; all for the well-being of a place that has changed the lives of abounding numbers of kids. Like Adullam, the safety and security of Assurance Home makes it a place where those in trouble can seek safe refuge.

Established in 1979, hundreds of abused and neglected children have passed through the doors of the home and reconstructed their once damaged lives, breaking a vicious cycle of malevolence.“Of all the things we do we are most proud of our kids,” said Ron Malone, executive director of Assurance Home after greeting the guests as they made their way through the bountiful buffet of gourmet food.Malone said the beautiful gathering was made possible by the kindhearted donations of many including the award winning caterers and Kim Wiggins.Fourteen of Wiggins’ expressionistic paintings were on display and for sale at the affair to the delight of visitors and the benefit the home.

Wiggins said 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his brightly colored works will be donated to Assurance Home, a cause that he wholeheartedly supports. “I hope it will be a blessing to them,” said the contemporary artist, on hand for the festivities Saturday evening.Assurance home provides much more than just a safe harbor for kids, it gives once impaired teens hope for a bright future.

While residing at the home, children, 12 to 18 years old, attend public schools while receiving therapeutic counseling and a loving environment geared toward helping the kids to believe in themselves again.“I don’t ever want to go home, I love it here,” said Nikki, a 17-year-old resident standing on the front porch of one of the many buildings scattered throughout the cozy confines of the premises. The pretty teen, a recent high school graduate who is preparing to leave the place she has called home since August, said her life at Assurance Home is more than she could have ever asked for.“Some of the stuff I have here I would have never dreamed of having at home,” she said, with a hopeful, happy face that once was filled with despair after a troubled past.

Because of the munificent offerings of those enjoying the evening and countless others that have donated their time, money and hearts to helping kids at the home, many feel that Assurance Home of Roswell is second to none.“There is nothing like it in the U.S.,” said Martha Murphy, a board member of the home for many years.Murphy said next to her family, her time with Assurance Home is the most important thing in her life because it changes lives.

Lives, that in a small way, were bolstered and made even better Saturday night.