Successful Fundraiser

Guest Post by Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Services. Rick attended the October 22 Non-Profit Toolbox Mini-Conference. See an interview with Rick here.

: Lisa Morrissey interviews Rich Doane

In spite of the economic downturn local philanthropists show pockets are deep

On December 3rd hundreds of the South Shore’s finest gathered together for the 12th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala Fundraiser at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The event raised over $75,000 to help poverty stricken families on the South Shore.

Quincy, MA – December 10, 2009 – On December 3rd Lombardo’s hosted one of the premiere holiday gatherings on the South Shore, the 12th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala Fundraiser to benefit Interfaith Social Services. The event brought in over $75,000 to help impoverished families, tying last year’s tally of $75,000. “It is incredible that in this economy the event did so well,” said Interfaith Executive Director Rick Doane. “We have all been planning and praying that things would go well because demand has been so high for our services. This Thanksgiving we served 43% more people than last year. The recession has hit many families hard and as the Holidays approach they are feeling the strain more than ever and we are trying to help them cope. In the past few months we have seen thousands of families come through our doors asking for help. We are grateful to the hundreds of party goers that helped make this event so successful, and allowed us to continue feeding, clothing and assisting the needy on the South Shore.” Participants enjoyed entertainment from a Motown tribute band, an elegant dinner, raffles, games, silent auctions and a live auction. Bidders fought over items such as tickets to the American Idol season finale, an African safari, Patriots Tickets, amongst other fabulous items. The event was co-chaired by Paula Lombardo-Colia of Lombardo’s and prominent South Shore attorney Tom Williams. Attendees included Bob Rivers, President of Eastern Bank; Jay Kennedy of Kennedy Carpet Cleaners, Inc.; Ms. Massachusetts Amanda Kelly, and many other prominent local philanthropists.

For more information about Interfaith Social Services, or this particular news angle, please call Rick Doane at 617-773-6203 or email rdoane@interfaithsocialservices.org