QUINCY, Mass. (Jan. 4, 2024) – More than 350 of Interfaith Social Services’ supporters gathered to “party with a purpose” at the organization’s recent Feed the Hungry Gala. Held Dec. 8, 2023, at Granite Links, the event raised more than $395,000 for Interfaith’s programs.
Interfaith Social Services operates one of Greater Boston’s largest emergency food pantries, a mental health counseling center, Thrift Shop and homelessness prevention program. Since 1947, Interfaith Social Services has been a safety net for thousands of children and families from the South Shore who are struggling to make ends meet. Fundraising at the annual Feed the Hungry Gala accounts for a significant percentage of Interfaith’s budget.
“The funding and support generated by this event is incredibly important to our organization, but especially this year,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services.
Doane said the organization is serving more people now than at any other period in the 75+ years they have been assisting South Shore families in need. The food pantry saw a 30% increase in demand for services in 2023.
“We’re see significantly more clients,” said Doane. “More even than at the height of the pandemic. This has all resulted in substantial increases in expenses to purchase food and basic hygiene supplies for our clients. We are so grateful to all the businesses who support Interfaith’s programs and to all of our Gala guests who demonstrate what a compassionate community of supporters can accomplish.”
Feed the Hungry Gala guests enjoyed an evening of food and beverage samples, games, a silent auction and live music. Restaurants attending included Abby Park, Alma Nove, Granite Links, JP Fuji Group, Liberty Tavern, Local 02045, Miam Miam, Novara, Ocean Seafood International, Pearl & Lime, The Range and Weathervane. Beverage samples were provided by Article XV Brewing, Barrel House Z, Vitamin Sea Brewing, Widowmaker Brewing, Bin Ends Wine and a special Winter Wonderland cocktail from Liberty Tavern. Purefections Chocolate provided chocolate peppermint Oreos for guests to take home.
Attendees played carnival-style games as they attempted to win an assortment of prizes donated by generous local businesses. All Interfaith’s supporters were welcome to participate in the online silent auction, which offered packages such as a California wine country vacation, a hockey stick signed by the 2022/23 Bruins team, tickets to see the Savannah Bananas play at Fenway, Boston sports tickets and a stay at the Boston Four Seasons. The South Shore’s Belted Galloways provided live music for the event.
The Feed the Hungry Gala is sponsored by many generous individuals and businesses, including Presenter Level Sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation and Summit Energy, Champion Level Sponsor Walmart, and Hero Level Sponsors Colonial Federal Savings Bank, Emergent BioSolutions, The Heritage Companies, Plymouth Quarries, Quincy Mutual Group, and Signet Electronic Systems, Inc.
Save the date now for Interfaith’s 2024 Gala, to be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Granite Links.
Guests of Feed the Hungry Gala Presenter Sponsor Arbella Insurance Foundation raised their paddles during the fundraising program at Interfaith Social Services’ signature event on Dec. 8 at Granite Links. Generous individuals and businesses raised more than $395,000 for Interfaith’s emergency food, mental health and homelessness prevention programs. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Gala guests (left to right) Amy Delaney, Bill White, Jay Farley, Amy Farley and Gerry Morrissey, all of Milton, enjoyed food and beverages at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8, Feed the Hungry Gala. Attendees sampled food and beverages from more than a dozen local restaurants and breweries at the organization’s annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Patrice Brown, of Quincy, tried her luck at the Plinko game at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala at Granite Links. Gala guests had the opportunity to play games and win prizes valued up to $500 at the annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Interfaith Social Services’ Executive Director Rick Doane, left, addresses the audience at Interfaith’s Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala at Granite Links. Generous individuals and businesses raised more than $395,000 for Interfaith’s emergency food, mental health and homelessness prevention programs. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Gala guests visit the raw bar, featuring oysters from Ocean Seafood International, at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala. Attendees sampled food and beverages from more than a dozen local restaurants and breweries at the organization’s annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
The Belted Galloways, out of Hull, provided live entertainment for Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala at Granite Links. Generous individuals and businesses raised more than $395,000 for Interfaith’s programs at the event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Lori Earl, right, of Quincy, checked to see what prize she won after playing games at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala at Granite Links. Gala guests had the opportunity to play games and win prizes valued up to $500 at the annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Attendees browsed the silent auction table at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 8 Feed the Hungry Gala at Granite Links. Guests were able to bid on Boston sports tickets, a California wine country vacation, local hotel stays and much more at the annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
About Interfaith Social Services
Founded in 1947, Interfaith Social Services’ mission is to provide South Shore residents with the resources necessary to support a healthy and fulfilling life. Interfaith’s food pantry is one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston. The pantry also distributes hygiene supplies, diapers, pet food, children’s books and operates various initiatives focused on bringing joy to children. Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling center provides mental health and addiction treatment for community members in need. Their HomeSafe program prevents homelessness and provides budget counseling to hundreds of local households every year. Located in Quincy, the organization’s Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop is a boutique style store with all proceeds 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.org.
Jennifer Sammons (She/her)
Communications Manager
Interfaith Social Services
105 Adams St., Quincy, MA 02169
617-773-6203 x31
jsammons@interfaithsocialservices.org
www.InterfaithSocialServices.org
