By Chris S. and Chris B.
Over 93 years of experience, strength and hope. That’s what you get when you bring together four significant members of The Family Foundation School community.
On November 1, Bob Runge, Brian McNeece, Tex Shumate and Mr. Geer came together with friends and family to celebrate years of service and commitment to the staff, students, friends and family. The French Woods Golf Course’s generous hospitality made their country club available for the special event.
Tommy Cumming and Dave Ginsberg teamed up to coordinate the party. The pair of dedicated friends arranged the catering (courtesy of the French Woods staff), expenses, invitations, and decorations. After hours of hard work and preparation, they were finally able to relax and enjoy the company of their trusted friends.
Four students from FFS were selected to help set up and decorate as well. Sarah K., Stephanie H., Vicky K., and Anna C. were the special few who were able to give back to the people who helped save their lives.
The four men left the school not only to play golf and relax, but because their retirement would open up positions for newer staff during harsh economic times. The party was held because all four of the retirees worked at FFS for over 10 years each.
The retirees were given the chance to express their feelings about their years working at the school, and gave special thanks to certain people.
Susan Runge, Bob’s wife shared on his behalf and gave him a gift. “People at this meeting I was going to had tried to set me up with Bob,” said Susan, “He chased me for two years before I realized my husband was not coming back.”
Runge spoke about his time at the school and what he is going to do when he leaves. “It has been very inspirational. I have a few problems; I can’t see well, I forget my name sometimes, and I lose my chewing gum,” said Runge.
Uncle Bob didn’t show up at The Family 30 years ago in an effort to get sober. He came here to be part of a community that saves lives.
Uncle Bob worked with FFS founder Tony Argiros in construction before coming to the school.
He met Argiros through the rooms of AA. Uncle Bob had just gone through a divorce and Tony invited him to stay at The Family School as it existed then. Uncle Bob showed up and said he wanted to help be a part of the community.
Sure enough, there was a job for Bob. Uncle Bob was handed an apron and became the Family cook.
His first job consisted of making twelve loaves of bread.
Even though Runge is parting from the school, he will still be there. He still has his everyday routine of walking up the road from his house in the morning. Runge also still has his office in campus life, where he talks to struggling kids and is a support in Family Three.
Along with Bob was fellow retiree Tex Shumate. “I was so thrilled when I found that Tex was coming to the school. I was so excited about all the kids,” said Betty Argiros, who spoke for Shumate during the party. Tex was good friends with Tony and Betty long before he started working at the school and was a big help when the Argiros family was going through its own struggles.
“When we started taking kids in I always thought of Tex,” said Betty. “If it weren’t for Tex The Family wouldn’t be here.” Over the years Tex has been able to make people realize things about themselves that doctors or therapists could not do.
“My mother would take us to Ala-teen, ‘A-Step-Away,’ during that time of my life, 8th and 9th grade. Tex was the adult in my life who was not at The Family School. He struck me as someone who really cared and understood me. I trusted him. Tex will calm you down. He listens well and gave me confidence. No matter how bad it got, he would help me out,” said Mike Argiros.
When Tex spoke, he thanked everyone for coming, but instead of giving a speech about what his life was like, he invited two of his former students to join him. When Chris B. and Sarah K. got with Tex, Tex gave them a kiss on the cheek and said “This is what it is all about.”
Cummings and Ginsberg argued over who was going to speak on Brian McNeece’s behalf. Instead of declaring one a winner, they decided to both share. McNeece who worked at the school for many years, was a big part of the staff, and with his experience, strength, and hope he was able to help many people.
“It really, really is tough to put into words [how I feel about the other retirees] because they impacted me in so many different ways. Two guys I really admire,” said McNeece.
“You’re always there for me. I could always trust you. Anytime, anywhere, when I’m in trouble you’ll be there for me,” said Ginsberg.
Brian received his gifts from Ginsberg and Cummings and said, “Thank you for the gift of love. It really is a gift of love. It’s been a joy beyond words. Thank you for everything.” “Thank you so much guys,” said McNeece. “FFS is not just a job, it’s a vocation.” Cummings responded, “We’ve worked together a long time. I’ve grown up a lot since I’ve been at the FFS. He helped me become a man. Everything I’ve done, he’s been there. I love him.”
It wasn’t all about McNeece as he shared about the other retirees saying that “The program’s about attraction, not promotion. They’re the attraction.”
Richard Geer, better known as Mr. Geer, has had a long run at The Family School. He was quiet, but a very hard worker, the backbone of the community.
“Mr. Geer is a really private man; a man of a few words, but a sincere man. He asked me to be his best man. I was honored that he could make the connection with us. He’s always been reliable and dependable. He did his job and did it well,” said Mike Argiros.
Geer spoke with few words but with great appreciation for everything the school and his friends have done for him over the years.
Throughout the years, Mr. Geer gained the reputation of a very hard worker because he was always at the school before everyone woke up. “Mr. Geer? Hella of a good worker. A lot of knowledge,” said Ed Anderson. When Geer stepped down from head of the maintenance he became the garbage man, and was able to establish good relationships with whatever work-study that got the position. Being a very quiet man, establishing a relationship with him was very sentimental.
