FIRN is Proud to Present

Howard County 2007 Volunteer of the Year:
Ron Kline

Since he “retired” in 1999, Ron Kline has been volunteering 25-30 hours each week at FIRN as its “IT Genius”. Ron has helped FIRN to define system requirements and has written extensive software to transform an outdated database into an efficient, effective system. Ron also maintains and services all of FIRN’s computers and servers and trains staff. In 2007 alone, FIRN served over 1,200 clients from 69 countries, helping them become self-sufficient contributing residents and workers. His work has made it easier for FIRN to provide equal access to community resources for all foreign-born individuals. THANK YOU, RON!!

THANK YOU!!

FIRN is deeply grateful to everyone who participated in FIRN’s International Gala at the Sheraton Hotel on October 30, 2008. A very special thanks to the following sponsors, nonprofit partners, restaurants, entertainers and volunteers for their generous contributions to the success of the event:

Sponsors and Nonprofit Partners:
Ameriprise Financial Services / Fred Casper
Allen & Shariff Corporation
AllCare of Maryland, LLC
CHAI
Columbia Hickory Pharmacy
Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC
Howard County General Hospital
PNC Bank
PFLAG

Raffle Sponsors:
Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia
Maiwand Kabob
The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Howard County Poetry & Literature Society
Candlelight Concert Society
The Greene Turtle

Entertainers:
The Peabody Institute
Howard County Chinese School Dance
Troupe
Hee Kyung Lee Korean Traditional Dance
Group
Ponti Del Mercado and Zuli Russi

Restaurants:
Akbar Restaurant
Asian Court
El Azteca
The Elkridge Furnace Inn
La Madeleine
Nora Café & Bakery
Putting on the Ritz
Red Parrot Asian Cafe
Zapata’s

Gala Committee Volunteers:
Jutta Alberts
Nanjui Awunti
Mei-Ling Jones
Sharon Jones
Bonny Knight
Ruth Paine

Master of Ceremonies:
Bob McAllister