We Dress For The Party
By Joan Praver—Board Member/Volunteer
All year we look forward to attending the annual Gala at the Hilton Hotel. The dress for the evening depends on whether you are a resident or a paying guest. Those who live in the house dress in tuxedos or gowns. Most are supplied by donations or come from the Thrift Shop we sponsor. Those supporting the work of Beit T’Shuvah arrive in cocktail attire to celebrate a stellar evening, beginning with a silent auction, followed by dinner and a few specialty items offered by live bidding, which might include a luxury cruise or a flight and attendance to a fabulous event. Each year we are blessed by having some attraction that entices our audience to reach deeply in order to support the redemption of our residents. Our budget seems to grow every year and more money needs to be raised to sustain our program.
Many of our residents come to our door wearing only the clothes they have on their backs and nothing in their pockets. They are never turned away because they cannot pay. We rely on the generosity of the community to fill our needs and depend on this evening to keep those doors open.
Should you decide to share this night with us, you will be entertained by our remarkable Cantor and resident choir, people who stand and tell their personal stories and parents who ring out their praises for their sons and daughters who have been returned to them after years of estrangement. It is a most inspiring experience. I know because I have never missed going and rejoice that such a place exists in our community.
