Interfaith Celebrates 65 Years of Helping South Shore Residents in Need

This year marks 65 years that Quincy-based Interfaith Social Services has been helping South Shore residents in need.

Founded in 1947 with a mission to “strengthen family life and offer assistance to anyone in need,” Interfaith Social Services has evolved into a non-profit multiservice center that helps to feed, clothe and comfort disadvantaged families and individuals from Quincy to Cohasset.

This year, Interfaith Social Services will celebrate its special milestone anniversary at its most important annual fundraiser: the Feed the Hungry Gala on Thursday, December 6 at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy.

Since the recession, Interfaith has experienced unprecedented demands for its services. Last year, the organization’s programs helped more than 25,000 local residents with emergency food assistance, homelessness prevention and mental health counseling. Supported by hundreds of community volunteers, the food pantry alone, distributed over 500,000 pounds of food last year to hungry families and individuals throughout the South Shore.

”For many of us, the holidays are a time to buy presents for our loved ones and celebrate the things for which we should give thanks over large meals with our families,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services. “But for others living here in our community, the holidays, and every other season, are less joyous and carefree. There are mothers who only have enough diapers to last the week, fathers who don't have clothes to interview for that job they desperately need and children facing health crises because they lack access to nutritious food.”

“As a reporter for New England Cable News, I see the best and worst of our society. My friend Greg Wallingford and I are trying to be a part of the best of it – trying to make a difference in the community where we live and work,” said Ally Donnelly, Feed the Hungry Co-Chair and Reporter for NECN. “That is why we are so proud to co-chair Interfaith Social Services’ Feed the Hungry Gala & 65th Anniversary Celebration. Our goal for this year’s event is to raise the most money ever for this phenomenal organization – but we need help from the residents of our community to do so.”

Interfaith Social Services has revamped this important annual fundraiser in an effort to create a dynamic, interactive experience to celebrate its prestigious milestone. With breathtaking views overlooking the city of Boston, this year’s “Holiday in the City” themed event will take place at the Granite Links Golf Club,
100 Quarry Hills Dr., Quincy, Mass., on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

The evening will feature dinner and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a sampling of delectable desserts from South Shore eateries (a popular new theme from last year’s event). The festivities will include interactive raffles, drawings, a silent and live auction featuring sports tickets, memorabilia, family fun packs, and
great hotel, dining and shopping packages. Our MC and Auctioneer for the evening will be radio and TV personality Billy Costa of KISS 108 and TV Diner. Entertainment will include Comedian Robbie Printz and DJ Jeff Fowler.

There will be many special guest appearances, including the New England
Patriot’s Cheerleaders and Miss Massachusetts, and a deserving tribute to Interfaith’s Community Hero of the year, Paula Lombardo of Lombardo’s Function Facility in Randolph. Special thanks will also be offered to the event’s Presenting Sponsor, Arbella Insurance Group, Charitable Foundation Inc.

Some of the exciting items available for auction at this year’s event include:

• Paul Wahlberg (Alma Nove and Walburger’s) will be your very own personal chef for an evening (He will prepare a dinner for eight in your home, all food and wine included).

• A Jet Blue Vacation Package, valued at $2500

• A $500 shopping spree at the Derby Street Shops

• 50/50 raffle ($100/ticket; 100 tickets sold), with a 1/100 chance of winning $5,000!

Tickets to the event, and for the 50/50 raffle, can be purchased via Interfaith’s website at www.InterfaithSocialServices.org. A single entry ticket costs $75 per person or attendees can take advantage of the Group Ticket Special price of $600 for 10 tickets.

Tickets may also be purchased by check and donations may be mailed to: Interfaith Social Services, 105 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169 Attn: FTH Gala.

Raffle and silent auction items are still being accepted. Corporate sponsorships and advertising opportunities are also available. (All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law). The money raised by ticket sales, corporate donations and raffle tickets will help Interfaith meet the needs of the growing number of families they service.

“We are very excited about this year’s event,” Doane said. “It is going to be a lot of fun. A number of individuals and businesses have donated an amazing selection of items and experiences that will be auctioned off at the event. We have also added some great personalities this year to make it more fun and
interactive for everyone involved. Most importantly the funds raised will help thousands of local families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

For more information on Interfaith Social Services’ Feed the Hungry Gala & 65th Anniversary Celebration, go to www.InterfaithSocialServices.org or contact Rick Doane, Executive Director, at 617- 773-6203 or by email at rdoane@interfaithsocialservices.org.

–Interfaith Social Services