Full stomachs and a healthy dose of inspiration is what participants walked away with at the 13th annual St. Vincent de Paul Restoring Hope Breakfast. More than 1,500 gathered for the community fundraiser Nov. 20 at the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom inside the Arizona Biltmore.
“It was wonderful; it was certainly an opportunity for people to see St. Vincent de Paul up close and to see the good work we do,” SVDP corporate development officer Todd Cooley said.
U-Haul has partnered with SVDP and its fundraising efforts for the past 10 years. This was the first year U-Haul joined as one of the sponsors of the breakfast. It’s one of 10 annual SVDP events U-Haul has sponsored.
“I love U-Haul. The company is very important to us, not only in monetary support, but also in using equipment for events when needed,” Cooley added.
The Restoring Hope Breakfast spotlights how the essential support everyone gives to homeless and working-poor families and individuals helps them to transform their lives.
“It’s not possible to express the gratitude I have,” said Stephanie, one of many speakers at the breakfast who was brought to tears when talking about how SVDP and its volunteers changed her life. Stephanie was a battered woman who received help from the domestic violence shelter provided by SVDP.
“You have given me hope, courage to trust myself, and you have given me dignity,” Stephanie added.
The breakfast is one of SVDP’s biggest fundraising events of the year. In 2014, just over $1 million was raised. The money goes directly to many programs offered by SVDP including food, shelter, medical and dental needs.
“Sometimes we can get comfortable and forget those who are less fortunate, and the speakers here today reminded us of how many are less fortunate than you and I,” Cooley continued. “St. Vincent De Paul is so grateful for the partnership with U-Haul. You really do change lives with us, one at a time.”
The help received by SVDP from partners like U-Haul often means the difference between hope and hopelessness for thousands of people in this community.
