SARATOGA SPRINGS – Last evening, Thursday, March 24, the community gathered at Longfellows Restaurant in support of Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) and Honorary Co-Chairs, Ed and Lisa Mitzen. This evening cocktail reception benefitted and supported SOS’s homeless services in the Greater Saratoga region. This “Brighter Days Gala” highlighted the core reason for SOS’s existence: help, hope and humanity for those who are striving for meaningful change in their lives.
The evening’s guest of honor was Greg Veitch, Chief of Saratoga Springs Police Department, for his compassionate commitment to serving the Saratoga Springs community.
Last year, SOS touched the lives of over 700 men, women and youth who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness. SOS’s programming follows the Continuum of Care model which helps get individuals off the street and permanently housed through its array of services, including Mobile Outreach, Drop-In Center, Emergency and Case Managed Shelter, and affordable housing. Shelters of Saratoga’s mission is to provide individuals with safe shelter, supportive services and sustainable strategies to end homelessness in the Greater Saratoga region.
An incredibly appointed and detailed dollhouse, donated by SOS’s Ginny Stoliker, raised $1,800 alone!
A particular highlight of the evening for this reporter and the attendees was the live pledge auction administered by Fingerpaint’s Bo Goliber:
Articulate, concise and forthright: The assembly was certainly responsive!
At the end of the evening, people left Longfellows with the warm feeling that is priceless: the warmth that comes from giving those in need a measure of hope for their future. Here’s to a Brighter Day for you, and many Brighter Days to come for all!
For more information about Shelters of Saratoga – their mission and upcoming activities – visit their website here
Arthur Gonick
March 24, 2017
