The stars twinkled brightly during the Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program’s Reach for the Stars Gala, Dinner, and Auction at the Grand Harbor Clubhouse.
Roughly 150 members gathered for an evening of cocktails, bidding, socializing and fine dining.
The staff outdid themselves with a lovely short rib and shrimp scampi dinner, topped off with the star of the show, a “shooting star” chocolate raspberry bombe.
Following an established tradition, Doug and Susanne Sweeny emceed the annual Angel Auction, which helped remind everyone to focus on those in need. As a token, Angel donors receive an angel memento to keep the community’s most needy neighbors in mind.
Featured among the more than 30 nonprofits that the Outreach Program supports through funding raised at events such as the gala and the annual golf tournament, are charities that assist at-risk children, homeless families, older adults and military veterans.
The stellar event provides about one-third of the funding needed to fill requests made by the nonprofits, according to event co-chairs Lisa Alcock and Maureen Kahrmann, who expected to exceed last year’s fundraising efforts.
GHCOP has raised more than $6.6 million to support area nonprofits since its founding in 2001.
“We focus on agencies that have limited access to resources and are meeting essential needs like shelter, food and the ability to support oneself,” Alcock explained.
The theme this year was meant to encourage guests to help the less fortunate reach for the stars.
“The idea is that people should reach for the best in what they can give to others. When you reach for something, you’re reaching for something bigger and better than you,” said Alcock.
Many of the residents living in Grand Harbor are retired, and recall having experienced a time in their lives when they were helped out by someone in some fashion.
“We know what it means to have somebody else reach out and make it easier for us on our journey. It’s our turn. It’s a great pay-it-forward idea. So much of what we do allows other people a chance to reach for the stars themselves. Which means being able to raise a healthy, happy family and have a job that you enjoy and are proud of,” said Alcock.
For more information, visit ghcop.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
