Rosie's Place, a Boston-based community center for poor and homeless women, announced that it raised a record-breaking $920,000 at its recent gala.
The Safe & Sound Gala, held May 9 at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, drew a crowd of 350 attendees and celebrated 50 years of turning hope into help at Rosie's Place, the first shelter for women in the United States. Retired WCVB 5 anchor Susan Wornick and WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy served as event co-hosts.
Proceeds from this year's gala will support emergency services including shelter, meals and a food pantry as well as long-term expert education, legal, mental health, recovery, employment, housing and stabilization assistance to some of Boston's most vulnerable women.
"Our programs are busier than they've ever been. There are thousands of women who came to Rosie's Place for the first time this year. There were also thousands who found themselves returning to us, because we are their safe landing place," said Rosie's Place President/CEO Leemarie Mosca in her remarks. "For 50 years, we have given our whole hearts to this work. It must continue. And we won't stop, until our innovative, expert and compassionate help is no longer needed."
Funds were raised via event chairs, table hosts, patrons and supporters; a silent and live auction; a "mystery wine pull" raffle and through fund-a-need donations collected at the gala.
The evening featured food stations from nine of Boston's best chefs including Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery, Noah Clickstein of Lehrhaus, Tim and Nancy Cushman of o ya, Luke Fetbroth of Tonino, Chandra Gouldrup of The Farmer's Daughter, Andy Husbands of The Smoke Shop BBQ, Kwasi Kwaa of Comfort Kitchen, David Punch of Sycamore and Lorena Ruiz of Tres Gatos and a raw bar from Island Creek Oysters. Geoff Morse of Bianca served as mixologist for the night.
Event chairs were Cherise and Robert Bransfield, William P. Collatos, Christina and Michael Gordon, Erin O'Connor Kent and Patrick Kent, Marriott Daughters Foundation, Michele May and David Walt, Deb and Mark Pasculano and Bank of America.
Founded in 1974, Rosie's Place is the first shelter for women in the nation. Rosie's Place relies solely on the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations and does not accept any city, state or federal funding. To learn more, visit www.rosiesplace.org.