Thank You for Making Our 2022 Gala A Night to Remember
Thank you. I use those two words often, but they never quite seem to be enough.
As I think back on last week’s Shine Your Light Gala, I am filled with so much gratitude that it’s hard to properly express it in words.
It’s been five years since we first held our Gala, and yet I am still humbled by the number of people who show up to support HSS. On June 10, 2022, we had a record 302 guests!
When I think back to 2018 and remember how unsure we felt, wondering how this community would respond to our first ever fundraiser of this kind – I am in awe. Because not only have you responded year after year, but you have done so with an unprecedented generosity.
This year, you helped us exceed our goal of raising more than $100,000 for the programs and services of HSS! During our Fund a Need, you generously donated more than $32,000 toward the purchase of two mini-vans that we will use to transport our clients.
Whether you made a donation, attended the Gala or purchased a live or silent auction item, YOU helped us reach those goals and work toward our mission of helping all people live their best lives. For this, I thank you.
While we celebrate the fundraising success of the evening, I must also give thanks to those behind the scenes. The months and days leading up to an event like this are filled with hours upon hours of hard work. It is in those days and hours that I once again recognize the true heart of the people who make HSS a success every single day.
Many members of our staff sent letters, made phone calls and collected donations to help make the Gala possible. All of this was done in addition to their already full workloads.
I heard so many positive comments in the room that evening about the auction items we received, the delicious food, and the gorgeous table displays. And a truly beautiful evening it was. None of that would have been possible without the dedication of our HSS family.
From the beginning, we’ve had the support and commitment of our HSS Board of Directors and the Gala Council. These two groups took time from their own busy schedules to attend meetings, seek donations and help guide us through another successful event.
We were extremely fortunate to have Chris Lane, a former HSS client and Monroe County native, share his personal recovery story about his battles with addiction. His words resonated with many in the room. Thank you Chris.
These words of thanks don’t just come from me – they come from all of the clients and staff who make up the HSS family. Your support of the Gala and HSS means you believe in them – in their work, their lives and their futures.
Our next Shine Your Light Gala will be held on June 9, 2023. Hope to see you all there again.
Anne Riley
HSS President and CEO