FBMS Raises $320K For Ending Homelessness

From FBMS: Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, raised nearly $320,000 at its 23rd annual FoodFest fundraiser on Tuesday, July 25, at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard and Hingham Beer Works.

Money raised will benefit the 5,000 individuals, including families and children, assisted by the agency through services such as emergency shelter, permanent housing, workforce development, case management, and homelessness prevention. FBMS’ largest annual fundraiser was attended by approximately 700 people who enjoyed a tasting featuring 40 of the South Shore’s most popular restaurants, bakeries and beverage distributors.

“We’d like to thank the more than 90 corporate sponsors who supported FoodFest this year and who helped send a resounding message that nobody in our cities and towns should be homeless,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “Our sponsors, our hosts, the FoodFest vendors, and the many individuals who attended the event and donated to our mission have put us in a much stronger position to bring hope to the most vulnerable individuals, families and veterans who so desperately need a helping hand. Tuesday was yet another example that we are a community that takes care of one another.”

Guests of FoodFest 2017 were also treated to a wine pull, live entertainment, and auctions for an assortment of valuable items. Patrick Perkins from Hingham submitted the winning bids for a framed Red Sox jersey autographed by David Ortiz and a Bruins package that included a framed jersey signed by the entire team, game tickets, and a meet-and-greet with the team’s 98.5 The Sports Hub radio announcers.

In other highlights:
• Brian Leary from Liberty Bay Credit Union won our Winner’s Choice Raffle, meaning he and a
guest will be traveling to his choice of either New Orleans, San Diego, or Monterey, Calif.
• Yazwinski presented Liz Kim, Assistant Vice President of Claims with the Arbella Insurance
Group and a longtime FBMS board member, with the Richard C. & Virginia A. Welch Dedicated
Volunteer Award.
• Gwen and Jennifer, two former shelter guests, were featured in a video about the agency’s
innovative Housing Resource Center concept. After the video was shown, Gwen and Jennifer
provided one of the night’s most moving moments when they embraced each other with a mighty
hug.

To view photos and videos from Tuesday’s event, visit FBMS’ Facebook page at facebook.com/fatherbillsmainspring. For a full list of event sponsors and participating vendors, visit helpfbms.org/foodfest.

Image Courtesy of FBMS