Program News 2009
Celebrating Service
On a beautiful October evening, Good Shepherd Services held its 2009 Annual Benefit, the year's largest fundraising event. This year we "Celebrated Service" and dedicated the dinner to our volunteers, the many individuals, organizations and corporate partners who work with Good Shepherd to improve the lives of the children, youth and families with whom we work.
"The happiest adults I saw when I was young were the ones who were giving of themselves to others," said keynote speaker Caroline Kennedy. "There are so many ways to help the children who need Good Shepherd's help. Each of us just needs to find the way that is right for us-and get our friends to join in." Ms. Kennedy's speech ended with a request for the many volunteers in attendance to stand for a round of applause.
Our guests at Tavern on the Green were also addressed by Holly Gaddy of UBS and financial journalist Donna Rosato, who spoke about their volunteer experiences. We partner with UBS on a highly successful workplace mentoring initiative for young people in our Crossroads program at Automotive High School in Brooklyn. Ms. Rosato volunteers as a writing coach at our Annual College Retreat (see No Place Like College)and has also provided workshops on personal finance issues along with her colleagues at Money magazine for the residents of our Chelsea Foyer supported housing program.
The program drew to a close with two moving speeches by Richard Desroche, the owner of CRG Gallery in Chelsea, and his longtime mentee, Carlos Estrada, an alumnus of the Foyer program. Our mentoring program provides young people in our residences and family foster care program with nurturing, positive role models. Often, as in the case of Richard and Carlos, these relationships are still active even after the young person leaves our care.
"Tonight we highlight many of the contributions that volunteers have made to our work and the countless lives that they have impacted over the years," said Sr. Paulette LoMonaco, Good Shepherd's Executive Director. "Our work would not be possible without the individuals who have blessed Good Shepherd's program participants with their generous commitment and service."
For more information about how to volunteer in Good Shepherd's programs, please click here.
To view the virtual journal for the event, click here.
November 9, 2009
