Suits and cocktail dresses stayed tucked away in closets this year, but Interfaith Social Services’ supporters still came through with an extraordinary showing of support for this year’s Feed the Hungry Gala at Home held virtually on Dec. 4.
Despite the format change, sponsors and donors came together to contribute an astounding $370,000, which will sustain Interfaith’s emergency food, mental health counseling and homelessness prevention programs into the next year.
During the program, Interfaith’s Executive Director Rick Doane spotlighted the crucial impact that volunteers have made at Interfaith during the current health crisis. “At the start of this pandemic, when vulnerable populations were asked to remain at home, more than half of our regular volunteers were no longer able to come in for their weekly volunteer positions,” said Doane. “So many wonderful people in this community stepped up and wanted to help. These volunteer ‘superheroes’ jumped right in to serve our neighbors in need. They are the reason that we are able to continue feeding and helping people.”
Gala guests also went home with a unique souvenir. The restaurant and beverage partners who normally whip up delicious tastings for the event contributed to a Feed the Hungry Recipe Book. Featuring recipes from Alma Nove, Coffee Break Cafe, The Corner Stop, Spiritfruit Premium Vodka & Real Fruit, Fuji at WoC, Pearl & Lime, Granite Links, The Townshend and Victory Point, the book features classic dishes from these local establishments.
Many of Interfaith’s restaurant partners also graciously contributed to the silent auction. Auction packages included a “farm chic” dinner for 20 by The Townshend and Holly Hill Farm, a round of golf at Black Rock Country Club, a Home Office Makeover and an Alma Nove dinner for six provided by Chef Paul Wahlberg.
Just a day before the gala event, Interfaith Social Services was gifted the largest one-time donation they’ve ever received. The Flatley Foundation’s generous $100,000 gala contribution helped bring the event fundraising total to more than $370,000.
Lead sponsors of this year’s event included The Flatley Foundation, Arbella Insurance Foundation, Mayor Thomas P. Koch Quincy Foundation, Envision Bank, A Healthy Balance, HarborOne Bank, Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, Quincy Mutual Group, Signet Electronic Systems, Inc. and MavroCreative.
Founded in 1947, Interfaith Social Services’ mission is to improve life for South Shore families and individuals in need. Programs include one of the largest food pantries in Greater Boston; budget counseling and homelessness prevention; The New Directions Counseling center, community gardening; free professional attire for job interviews, and The Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop – operated entirely by volunteers with all sales benefiting Interfaith’s programs. Clothing and food donations from the community are always welcome.
For more information, or to inquire about volunteering with Interfaith, please visit: www.InterfaithSocialServices.
Interfaith will hold their 24th annual Feed the Hungry Gala fundraiser, on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.
