Just when we thought last year’s record-breaking total would be hard to beat, our amazing event committee, donors and volunteers rallied to raise an incredible $250,000 at Interfaith Social Services’ 18th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala. These critical funds will make it possible to help the thousands of families who come to our door wondering where their next place else to turn for mental health counseling.
Check out many more photos from this year’s Gala on Facebook.
On December 4th Granite Links Golf Club was transformed into a winter wonderland full of games, auctions, festive beverages, delicious food and generosity. Local support for this year’s Gala was on display throughout the evening.
As guests arrived they were welcomed with festive cranberry cocktails provided by GrandTen Distilling. Island Creek Oysters provided an incredible raw bar side by side with sushi from JP Fuji Group. As they made their way into the ballroom guests encountered a stunning array of activities, restaurants and auctions. Adding to the ambience was the beautiful signage generously donated by Makepeace Digital
Imaging and East Coast Printing. Guests indulged in our wine tasting provided by Bin Ends, Sam Adams lager provided by Boston Beer Company and the delicious menu created by our other generous restaurant sponsors: Alma Nove, Boathouse Bistro, Michael Aprea, The Corner Stop Eatery, and The Quarry Restaurant & Lounge. Live entertainment as well as fun, interactive games created a high-spirited atmosphere throughout the night.
We were so happy to have our event energetically emceed for the second year in a row by Latoyia Edwards from NECN. During the program, we presented our Community Hero of the Year Award to NECN reporter and Hingham native, Ally Donnelly for the amazing work she does behind the camera on behalf of struggling South Shore families. At the close of the evening, Montilio’s and Burtons Grill treated our guests to mouthwatering desserts; and specialty coffee was provided by Coffee Break Café.
After the auctions had closed and all of the game prizes had been won no one left the Gala empty handed, each guest departed with a Gift Bag sponsored by JetBlue and Arbella which was stuffed with product, promotions and coupons from event sponsors. The entire evening was designed to thank each guest for being a part of Interfaith’s mission. Linda, one of the event’s attendees, described her experience.
“This is such an amazing event! I look forward to it. Events like this make you appreciate what you have, a home, food and clothing. We take it for granted. Being a single parent, that could be me. It gives me comfort to know that there is a place like Interfaith where one could go to for help.”
Gala guests left the event with more than fun memories, they left with full hearts. The focal point of the evening’s program was a testimonial from Stephanie, one of Interfaith’s clients. She voiced what thousands of other local residents just like her go through every day. In order to put food on her family’s table, Stephanie started coming to Interfaith’s food pantry this past summer. At the Gala, she spoke about obstacles and resilience. These are some of her own words.
“You may not realize that my face represents someone who served in the United States Marines, someone who has four beautiful children, someone who overcame domestic violence, someone who was homeless and also someone who is kind, patient and capable of amazing things. There are astonishing stories that lie behind the faces we pass by every day. I am sharing my story with you to shed light on the fact that at some point it is possible for any one of us to experience a circumstance that could require us to need assistance. I am now working towards obtaining my degree in nursing. I have maintained a 3.87 GPA. I feel my accomplishments would not have been possible without the resources provided by Interfaith. My experiences have shown me that I have the fortitude and strength to persevere through life’s challenges and that we all have the opportunity to be amazing.”
In addition to groceries, this Thanksgiving Stephanie and her family carved a turkey and enjoyed a holiday meal
provided by Interfaith’s donors. This Christmas her kids will open gifts donated by some of Interfaith’s incredibly generous supporters, including Walmart who presented Stephanie with a $500 gift card at the event.
Stephanie has encountered many road blocks during her journey to self-sufficiency, but she is well on her way thanks to a community of people, organizations and businesses who reach out and assistance this neighbor in her time of need.
Time and time again we are astonished by the amazing way that our community of supporters has rallied to support Interfaith’s mission. Thank you to the charitable businesses and individuals whose giving spirit made our Gala a reality. Together we are helping people like Stephanie. We are feeding hungry children, helping families avoid homelessness and providing comfort and counseling to those who are suffering – THANK YOU!
Save the Date: 19th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala – Friday December 9, 2016
The 2015 Gala Committee included: Ally Donnelly and Greg Wallingford, co-chairs Committee Members: Kara Bianchi, Charlotte Bodell, Tanya Buchanan, Emily Byrer, James Cahill, Katie Catlender, Kevin Clow, Allison Corbett, Kathleen Curran, Paula Daniels, Rick Doane, Cara Hafferty, Patricia Horne, Seerena Huxley, Amanda Kennedy, Donna Mavromates, Bill Murphy, Julie Nations, Maura O’Brien, Jennifer Reale, Kelsey Rochleau, Adrienne Rowe, Leanne Schiller, Daniele Serafini, Elizabeth Shaw
Thank you to all of our Sponsors for your support!
Supporter Level:
Bay State Milling * Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton * Black Rock Cares * Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts * BMC HealthNet Plan * Boston Financial Data Services * The Carvalho Family * Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares * Cosgrove, Eisenberg & Kiley, P.C. * Davine Events * Donham & Sweeney Architects * DPS Insurance Group, Inc. * East Coast Printing Inc. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation * Elite Envelope & Graphics, Inc. * First Congregational Church of Randolph * Gadles Real Estate Development * Law Offices of George G. Burke * Lily Lee * The Lombardo Companies * Makepeace Digital Printing * Micah 6, Inc. * Neponset Valley Survey Associates, Inc. * John & Maureen O’Donnell * Pierce Harman Photography * Planter Hill Properties * Quincy Mutual Group * Rentals Unlimited * Shepard Construction and Development * State Street Global Operations * St. Stephen’s Church * William Swanson & Lauren Payne * Three Phase Productions * Tryst Studio * Weymouth Rotary Club * WNA
