6th Annual Gratitude House Gala a Stunning Success
One-of-a-kind treatment center raises $75,000 during New York, New York inspired evening featuring Darryl Strawberry as Keynote Speaker
(West Palm Beach, FL – April 10, 2014) 160 caring people gathered together for an inspiring evening March 29 during the 6th Annual Gratitude House Gala at the Four Seasons Palm Beach. Moving music and touching stories highlighted the fun-filled evening, which raised $75,000 in support of the Level II licensed treatment center for women. Darryl Strawberry, former outfielder for the New York Yankees, shared a powerful message of personal change during his keynote address.
Guests began the evening with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres while bidding on selected silent auction items, and participating in a fabulous, winner’s choice raffle for luxury vacation packages. Following the meet and greet, attendees gathered in the dining hall where they were served a sumptuous dinner and dessert while being serenaded by the luminescent voice of Alex Bach. Pastor Tracy Strawberry led the invocation, which was followed by the Outstanding Service Award presentation by gala committee member Lynn Gentithes.
Gratitude House Executive Director Linda Kane thanked everyone for their support and made the exciting announcement about this year’s opening of the newly-named Mandel-Palagye Child Care Center and Gentithes Nursery for the Mothers and Infants in Treatment Together (MITT) program. Linda then introduced a current member of the MITT program who gave a heartfelt story of how the program has saved her life, and given her a second chance with her family.
Following the Call from the Heart message by committee member Richard Wolfe, Co-Chairman Kim Koslow introduced keynote speaker Pastor Darryl Strawberry. He spoke frankly about his life as an addict and how each person was put on the Earth to help one another. The uplifting and inspiring message was followed by the drawing for raffle winners by gala committee member Bea Sallabi.
The 6th Annual Gratitude House Gala Co-Chairs are Christina Goode and Kim Koslow. Honorary Chairs include Margaret Donnelley and Mary Campbell. Dinner Committee members are Tom and Lynn Gentithes, Cheryl Abuiso, Lavinia Baker, Elle DuPree, Claire Everett, Tom and Judy Kane, Stephanie Kelly, Kristen Kernohan, Mo Maynor and Bill DeMott. Additional patrons for the event include David & Susan Goode, the Birk Family Foundation, John P. McGreevy, Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Butterfly House, Liam and Mary Egan, Linda Kane, Barbara Roemmele, Tarry K. Collier, Anita Michael Hamilton, Diane M. Kane, Mr. & Mrs. Stan McKnight and Bill Teuteberg.
About the Gratitude House:
Founded in 1968 by a group of women wanting to help others struggling with alcohol addiction, the Gratitude House has grown to become a fully accredited Level II licensed treatment center for women age 18 years and older, that helps women successfully battle the disease of addiction and co-occurring issues. To combat the rise in drug addicted-born babies, the West Palm Beach non-profit became one of only six facilities in the nation to offer the MITT Program (Mothers and Infants in Treatment Together).
For more information about the Gratitude House, please call 561.833.6826 or visit www.gratitudehouse.org.