Aims to Raise Funds for Youth Gym Renovations

FALL RIVER – Saint Vincent’s Services (SVS or Saint Vincent’s), a leading residential and behavioral health services provider for youth and families in Southeastern Massachusetts, will host its annual Summer Celebration Gala at a new waterfront location this year. The June 21, 2024 event aims to raise crucial funds to renovate the gymnasium used by those served at Saint Vincent’s Services.

The 2024 Summer Gala will occur from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the scenic Shining Tides venue in Mattapoisett. The annual event is Saint Vincent’s Services’ biggest fundraiser, drawing hundreds of supporters and community members. Funds raised will assist with renovating and upgrading the on-site gymnasium used for physical education and therapeutic recreation by youth entrusted in the care of Saint Vincent’s Services congregate care placement contracts (emergency and intermediate residential stays for youth with behavioral or complex clinical needs) and Behavioral Health Clinic. The renovated gym project will create a multi-purpose space with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and facilities to accommodate all ages and physical abilities. The project is projected to cost $200,000 and will better serve young people’s physical and mental health needs.

“We’re thrilled to move our Summer Gala to the beautiful Shining Tides this year,” said Saint Vincent’s Services Chief Executive Officer, Kristen Dutra. “The breathtaking waterfront location is the perfect backdrop for this special event in support of our youth. Funds raised will help us transform our aging gym into a bright, modern facility our kids deserve.”

The garden party style Summer Gala will feature a premium-hosted bar, passed appetizers and food stations from Bocca Catering, a 50+ item silent auction, a cornhole tournament, and dancing to music provided by Unique Sounds. The lively event invites the community together for fun and fundraising to help empower local children and families overcoming trauma and other life challenges. The event will also honor Saint Vincent’s Services’ long-time friend and philanthropist Edward G. Medeiros with the prestigious 2024 Carlin Lynch Humanitarian Award for his dedicated humanitarian efforts behind the scenes.

Tickets are $175 per person, and sponsorships are available through June 14, 2024. Tickets are limited for this exclusive event. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate an auction item, please contact Katie Dawkins, Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising, at (508) 235-3228 or email kdawkins@saintvincentsservices.org.

About Saint Vincent’s Services

Established in 1885 by the Diocese of Fall River as an orphanage staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Vincent’s Services (SVS or Saint Vincent’s) today is a separately incorporated entity, a 501(C)(3) accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Saint Vincent’s is a multi-service behavioral health and child welfare trauma treatment organization serving over 1,000 children, youth, and families annually throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Fall River. Saint Vincent’s Services mission is “to foster the well-being of children, young adults, families, and the community through a holistic approach to treatment and care. Taking into account the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs of those we serve, we help our clients draw on their strengths and resilience to make positive change in their lives”. For more information, please visit www.SaintVincentsServices.org.

Diocese of Fall River
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