Just days ago, with the assistance of our donors, we helped a young woman and her 5-year-old daughter escape homelessness that was due to a violent man. They were living in their car. When this young woman learned she was accepted to live with her daughter at St. Gianna’s, our staff could not count the many times she said, “thank you.”
On March 15, the eve of the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, St. Gianna Women’s Homes held its third annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration to benefit St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes.
The event was held at the beautiful Deer Springs Winery, located on 162nd and Adams Street. Dinner included delicious Irish corned beef and cabbage prepared by Premier Catering, delicious wine from Deer Spring Winery, and beautiful Irish music performed by the talented Don Bennett and Barb Biffle Bennett (whose group is called Whoozon1st Band). We were honored by our special guest, Bishop James Conley. The food, wine, music and company were superb!
The evening garnered $9,280 for St. Gianna’s, which represents 11 days of operating expenses. Since the 24 ladies and 30 children at St. Gianna’s are living there without having to worry about paying rent, this helps tremendously.
That night, I related a story of a young woman who was unable to find full-time employment after graduating from college. After finding out she was with child, the father of her baby left her, and her parents refused to let her live under their roof pregnant. It was then, in the midst of feeling the pressures of the choice between her baby and homelessness, that she was admitted to St. Gianna’s. I was happy to say she just gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy.
I would like to thank the Barb and Jim Partington and their family at Deer Springs Winery; Carmen and Tony Messineo and their family at Premier Catering; Don Bennett and Barb Biffle Bennett (Whoozon1st Band); our host couples, Gloria and John Strope, Sarah and Tim Donner, Cathy and Eric Vath; and all those who were present. Together, they helped make this night a success.
As we celebrate our Blessed Lord’s resurrection from the dead, which was the ultimate victory over sin and death and the ultimate new beginning, let me also thank all of our supporters. They help the many individuals and families who come to us to experience many mini new beginnings because of their singular love for Jesus, Who lives in the poor and needy in a special way.
Happy Easter and Easter Season!
