Sandbar Tavern was filled to capacity on Tuesday, Nov. 18 as supporters from across the county gathered for an evening of food, fellowship, and hometown generosity, all in support of Under One Roof, the nonprofit community hub that has quietly served thousands of families in the Lake Eufaula area for nearly a quarter-century.
Local restaurants set the tone by offering samples of their signature dishes, giving guests a chance to enjoy a variety of flavors from across the region. Auction tables ,filled with items donated by area businesses, lined the venue, helping generate energy and excitement even before the program began.
Picture Me Silly was there with full flair, bringing joy and laughter to every corner of the event. Guests lined up eagerly, donning quirky costumes, oversized glasses, and vibrant props, ready to strike their silliest poses. The photo booth buzzed with energy as friends and families captured spontaneous, lighthearted moments that turned into unforgettable memories. With a playful spirit and a dash of theatrical fun The turnout was large, lively, and deeply reflective of Eufaula’s tradition of showing up for its own.
Guests voted on their fa- vorite food and flare for the evening. Tumbleweeds Steakhouse took home the People’s Choice award and Fox Place Bakery took home the best booth of the evening.
Selina Jayne Dornan and her group entertained diners with a moving performance which tied in with the evening and the mission.
The formal program opened with remarks from Shryl Hulme, Chair of the Board for Under One Roof, who welcomed attendees and thanked the crowd for their strong show of support. Hulme recognized the nonprofit’s board members in attendance, representing the leadership guiding the organization’s mission. She also acknowledged the dedicated staff and volunteers who keep Under One Roof’s services running day after day.
The heart of the presentation came from Executive Director Kim Woodruff, who stepped to the microphone to describe what “Under One Roof ” truly means in the context of community support. The organization operates as a collaborative workspace housing approximately 14 nonprofit agencies, all working side by side within the same building. The model provides residents a centralized place to seek help— whether it’s family services, social support, or resource assistance— without navigating multiple locations or systems.
Woodruff shared that their building, which dates back to the 1960s, has served as the organization’s home since the late 1990s. Over that time, Under One Roof has grown into one of the most important service hubs in the region, offering around 15,000 services each year. In addition, its 2nd Chances Thrift Shop receives roughly 7,000 annual visits, providing lowcost household items while supporting the nonprofit’s broader mission.
But with age has come significant wear. The facility now faces serious structural challenges that limit its long-term use. Wood shared that Under One Roof has launched a capital campaign to build a new, modernized space equipped to serve the community for the next 25 to 35 years. Guests were invited to view an artist’s rendering of the envisioned future facility, displayed near the back of the room—a symbol of both how far the organization has come and where it hopes to go next.
As the evening wound down and guests lingered over final conversations, a noticeable warmth settled over the room— a feeling that ran deeper than the tastings or the bidding. What stood out was the quiet understanding shared among those gathered: that caring for one another is a collective act, and Under One Roof remains one of the places where that care becomes real.
