Fall Cocktail Party a Big Success
Supporters Unite to Benefit Mercy Haven, Inc.
BAY SHORE, NY. NOVEMBER 4, 2012. MORE THAN 100 LONG ISLANDERS took a break from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to gather on a crisp fall afternoon at Southward Ho County Club for Mercy Haven’s 27th Annual Fall Cocktail Party. Mercy Haven, an Islip Terrace-based non-profit, provides housing, advocacy, education and life skills development for people who are homeless, living with mental illness or living in poverty.
The cocktail party, one of the agency’s two major fund raisers, fell less than one week after Hurricane Sandy ravaged Long Island. “We weren’t sure what type of turnout to expect,” said event co-chairwoman, Patricia Spiegel. “The extensive damage caused by the storm, the huge numbers of people still without power and the long lines for gas were daunting, so we’re really pleased with the turnout today.”
Sister Pat Griffith, Mercy Haven’s Executive Director explained to guests during her remarks why she felt it was so important to have the cocktail party. “When we made the decision to go ahead with this fund raiser, we did so knowing we needed to. We needed to be in one another’s company, to be Mercy for one another, to be recharged so that we can go beyond this group gathered here today to be Mercy for others in our neighborhoods and beyond.”
Those in attendance agreed with Sister Pat. “I’ve been without power for 6 days, but it’s important for me to show my support for Mercy Haven,” said Bay Shore resident, Eileen Hickey. “Nothing is more important than helping those who are less fortunate than we.”
Sister Pat gave party-goers an update on how the more than 250 residents of Mercy Haven weathered the storm. “About 70% had had no heat and electricity, no means of transportation, spoiled food with very little financial recourse for replacing goods when refrigeration is on again,” she explained. “Almost all of our 34 sites have storm damaged trees and fences down, but lives and structures have not been lost. Some [residents] have had to move to [storm] shelters, others are being welcomed into other Mercy Haven sites.” Griffith went on to say that Mercy Haven’s staff was “doing an outstanding, selfless job in being so concerned and present to our residents while being challenged themselves at home.”
In addition to learning how residents and staff fared during the storm, guests had the opportunity to view the agency’s new video and learn about all of Mercy Haven’s housing and support services. They also heard from Laura, a Mercy Haven resident who shared her story.
“Three years ago I was living in a homeless shelter in Riverhead and I was pregnant with my 3rd child,” she said. “Today, I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received from Mercy Haven.” Laura went on to thank the staff of Mercy Haven who have helped her on her journey to living more independently. “I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have their support.”
Community involvement was evident by the more than 200 donors to the event. A total of 45 prize baskets were donated by Long Island neighbors, businesses, and supporters of Mercy Haven. The included exciting prizes like a Kindle Fire tablet, iPods, a weekend get-away to the North Fork, original art-work and much more. “We are able to put together so many wonderful prize baskets as a result of the generosity of so many local businesses,” explained co-chairwoman, Bridget Norman. “The success of the event wouldn’t be possible without the business community.”
The 27th Annual Cocktail Party was sponsored by Empire National Bank, the McNamara family and the Norman Family. Despite the storm, the event successfully met financial goals critical to helping Mercy Haven continue its mission.
