Father Joe’s Villages Gala Funds Homeless Children Services
On May 4, the philanthropic community came together for dinner and dancing to invest in life-changing services for children and families experiencing homelessness. More than 350 guests gathered at the U.S. Grant Hotel and raised nearly $900,000 to support Father Joe’s Villages services for children and families experiencing homelessness, spanning from preschool to medical care.
“I’m left with immense gratitude for the hundreds of generous individuals who came together to support our mission at the gala,” says Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. ”Father Joe’s Villages does everything it can to provide children with a bright future full of promise and possibility, and it’s obvious our community heroes and philanthropic givers do as well.”
Adding to share her gratitude and her personal experience with homelessness is a former beneficiary of the program. “A major part of my children’s and my success is because of Father Joe’s Villages,” says Michelle McElroy, program graduate of Father Joe’s Villages and mother of six now in permanent housing. “[I didn’t] have to worry about, ‘Am I going to be able to clothe my kids? Are they going to get school supplies?’ Father Joe’s Villages just supplied it all. If it weren’t for Father Joe’s Villages, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
To break the cycle of homelessness, Father Joe’s Villages puts an emphasis on providing critical care to children — just as it did for nearly 1,200 children in 2018. The funds raised at this event will benefit programs for children experiencing homelessness such as Father Joe’s Villages’ fully licensed and accredited Therapeutic Childcare Center, providing preschool and after-school programs and emergency and life-sustaining services like food, shelter and healthcare.
Honorees of the evening included Las Patronas, receiving the Father Joe’s Villages Award; Barbara Claire Caster received the Bishop Leo T. Maher Award; and
Congregation Beth Israel’s Hunger Project received the Founder’s Award.
Category: Events, Local News
