SAN DIEGO–Last month, philanthropists made a record-breaking investment in a brighter future for children who are homeless in San Diego.
At Father Joe’s Villages’ Children’s Charity Gala, more than 500 people gathered at the U.S. Grant Hotel to honor three leaders in the fight to end homelessness. The event raised more than $500,000, making it the most successful gala in Father Joe’s Villages’ history. Funds raised at the gala will support the therapeutic childcare center and other services for children at Father Joe’s Villages.
“San Diego is in the midst of a homelessness crisis, and the success of this event shows that the community is willing to invest in much-needed solutions,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “I felt a deep sense of hope after spending the evening with hundreds of generous community members, each committed to solutions that end homelessness for children in our community.”
Father Joe’s Villages’ programs for children equip them with the tools needed to break the cycle of homelessness. This includes safe housing, medical and dental services, mental health support, nutritious meals, guidance toward life and scholastic goals, and opportunities for their parents to work toward self-sufficiency, too.
The 2017 Children’s Charity Gala: Pioneering the Future presented by Witt Lincoln, also honored three community leaders who have remained long-time supporters of Father Joe’s Villages’ mission to end homelessness:
Steve Boudreau received the Father Joe’s Villages award for continuing his family’s legacy of helping the homeless through the Red Boudreau Trial Lawyers Dinner.
Father Gilbert Gentile was honored with the Bishop Maher Award to recognize the impact of his mentoring and clinical supervision services starting at Father Joe’s Villages in 1990.
Michael Eyer received the Pierre Toussaint Award for lending his years of financial expertise to Father Joe’s Villages and hosting the organization’s annual children’s Christmas party.
Guests at the gala also enjoyed a viewing of Shine, Father Joe’s Villages’ new short film about the journey to overcome homelessness. The three-minute animated film was created in partnership with San Diego integrated marketing agency i.d.e.a. and Golden Globe-nominated animation studio Reel FX.
Homelessness is a growing issue that affects about 1.6 million children across the nation, and thanks to supporters at the Children’s Charity Gala, those in San Diego will have access to the housing and resources to succeed. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that there are 550,0000 unaccompanied youth up to age 24 and 380,000 of those are under the age of 18, 2,000 of them in San Diego.
For more information on services at Father Joe’s Villages, visit http://my.neighbor.org.
