More than 300,000 was raised at a recent fundraiser for Father Joe’s Villages.
The 2016 Children’s Charity Gala, held May 21, attracted more than 300 people to the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to fundraise for the nonprofit.
The proceeds will support youth programs at Father Joe’s Villages, including Toussaint Academy and the Therapeutic Childcare Center. These programs equip children and teenagers with the tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness—safe housing, medical and dental services, mental health support, nutritious meals, guidance toward life and scholastic goals, and opportunities for their parents to work toward self-sufficiency too.
The event also highlighted two local champions for their work in empowering homeless youth. Danny Martinez received the Father Joe’s Villages Award for his volunteer efforts at Father Joe’s Villages and for work at his own nonprofit, The Gremlin Kids Education Program. The Pierre Toussaint Award went to the Navarra family, owners of Jerome’s Furniture, for supporting Father Joe’s Villages by donating hundreds of mattresses to children and families in need.
“Last year we served nearly 430 children at Toussaint Academy and in our Therapeutic Childcare Center,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “Tonight’s donors gave funds and, most importantly, hope to the many children in San Diego who are homeless. Your generosity allows us to change these children’s lives and break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.”
Homelessness is a growing issue in the U.S., affecting about 1.6 million children across the nation. According to The National Alliance to End Homelessness, an estimated 2,000 unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 live in San Diego.
For more information on youth services at Father Joe’s Villages, go to my.neighbor.org/.