$29,000 RAISED FOR THE HAVEN OF GRACE AT ANNUAL CULINARY EVENT

A unique auction and a night of local cuisine raises funds to buy basic necessities for The Haven

ST. LOUIS (November 9, 2009) The Haven of Grace, with restaurant partner Larry Forgione’s An American Place, hosted its sixth annual culinary event and auction Sunday evening in downtown St. Louis. More than 100 supporters attended “It’s All About the Food” and $29,000 was raised to support The Haven’s mission of providing a safe, nurturing and educational environment for young homeless, pregnant women.

During the cocktail hour, attendees perused The Haven’s unique auction entitled, “Empty Hands, Open Hearts.” Guests had the opportunity to bid on ten groupings of items that represented the fundamental needs of The Haven of Grace and its residents – batteries, kitchen table settings, bus tickets, baby cribs and more. Rather than the winning bidders leaving with these items in hand, those basic necessities from the auction were donated directly to The Haven.

“It was such pleasure to be able to see so many people at this event to support our shelter,” said Executive Director Marissa Q. Paine. “Our auction format highlighted the everyday needs of the residents at The Haven and gave donors a chance to make a ‘right now’, tangible difference for the mothers and children whom we serve.”

Patrons of the evening enjoyed an innovative and delicious dinner prepared by Forgione’s chefs using only ingredients found within 150 miles of Saint Louis. Of the four courses, the second course, a squash and chorizo soup, was voted the favorite and will be featured on the menu at An American Place starting this week.

Major sponsorship for “It’s All About the Food” was provided by MEMC and Emerson.

The Haven of Grace, a ministry of faith, is a residential and aftercare program providing a safe nurturing and educational environment for homeless, pregnant women by focusing time and resources on mothers and children as they become families and establish their lives together in the community. Key to this endeavor is our belief in the power of hope and dignity of each person.

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Contact: Alison Zeller
Telephone: 314-621-6507
Email: azeller@havenofgracestl.org