By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
The core foundation of Family Face Ministries in Lake Orion is really quite simple ? family is the most important thing.
It’s the belief in solid, strengthened families and divine trust in their faith that lead Dino and Jodie Masella to start Family Face Ministries. They saw an opportunity to mix faith with core family ideals and have done so even by incorporating their own family into the ministry.
Now in their eighth year in operation, the two decided to connect with the community through a benefit aimed at those same family ideals the ministry was started on.
On Thursday, April 16 Family Face Ministries partnered with Indianwood Country Club for their first annual Grand Gala themed ‘Benefit to Restore Families.? Seventy-five people were in attendance for an evening that revolved around family values and faith.
‘We know that healthy, strong families constitute healthy strong communities and it’s a ripple effect,? Dino said. ‘If those family households are strong, then communities, then cities are strong and all the way out to nations.?
The Masella’s five children played live music during the event and their 12 year-old daughter sang a solo while Dino played the guitar. The Grand Gala also featured video productions of true story events of local individuals having health and family struggles and those individuals were able to beat their adversity.
‘We wanted to rally the community and connect with them,? Dino said. ‘We really try and make it all about family.?
The keynote speaker for the Grand Gala was radio host from 103.5 WMUZ, Bob Dutko.
Dutko is a local Detroit Christian radio talk show host whose show is syndicated nationwide. Dining at the head table was Brad Snavely, the executive director from the Michigan Family Forum in Lansing. After the socializing, singing, and networking was through, the guests enjoyed dinner and silent auction full of products donated by local businesses and artwork donated by artists.
This was the first of many events Family Face is looking to do throughout the community. Not only does it look forward to hosting this Grand Gala every year, they also participate in a monthly gathering at local coffee shops.
‘Once a month we gather at local coffee shops and invite couples who are engaged or already married to talk about strategies to help keep their marriage strong,? Dino said.
In addition to their coffee house talks, they’re looking to do more community education programs. The group is working with Lake Orion’s Enrichment Supervisor, Ben Gerdeman on hopefully developing a course open to the community aimed at putting emphasis on family values and positive impacts on culture.
Family Face Ministries is a 501c(3) non-profit organization located in Lake Orion. To find out more about the their ministry you can contact them at 877-336-6540 or you can visit them online at familyfaceministries.org