Over 600 people are expected to attend VEAP’s 15th Annual Gala on November 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Bloomington Minneapolis South. Join us as we celebrate “A Place We Call Home” commemorating our move into our new “home” this year and the myriad of ways that VEAP helps area residents stay secure and stable in their homes. The Gala begins with a silent auction including tickets to sporting events, destination vacations, beautiful gift baskets, time shares, food and wine items and more while listening to music provided by Clocks and Clouds. Guests will enjoy a delicious heartland inspired dinner and hear inspiring words from Emcee Megan Newquist, KSTP-TV News Anchor. After dinner, guests can participate in a high-spirited live auction with professional local auctioneer, Glen Fladeboe. New this year is an after party with local comedian and West Bloomington native Pete Borchers. Purchase your tickets today at www.annualgala.veap.org through November 7, 2014.
“VEAP’s 41th year of service was marked by a landmark move into a newly refurbished facility that will serve the community well for years to come.” said longtime volunteers and Annual Gala Honorary Co-chairs Bob and Sally Purvis. “We have a lot to celebrate! In our new space, we are serving more families, providing healthier food options, and utilizing a more comprehensive approach to address the core issues of need. ”
In January, VEAP moved into a newly refurbished Bloomington facility three times the size of its old location. Hennepin Country was brought in as a tenant to realize a vision of creating a one stop service hub to better meet the growing needs of an expanding clientele. VEAP is the largest food shelf in Minnesota and also provides senior transportation, professional social services, financial assistance and special programs for school-age children.
“Our clients are the working poor – 67% of the families we serve live on less than $1,200 a month.” said Susan Russell Freeman, VEAP Executive Director. “It is no coincidence that our service area includes the Mall of America (MOA) and the Interstate 494 strip, the state’s largest hospitality area.” Many clients hold two or three jobs at a time, work for minimum wage and lack heath care benefits. They may manage to make ends meet until facing a layoff, car repair, health problems or a large utility bill. VEAP’s goal is to help support our neighbors during trying times give them hope for the future.
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True to its name, Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, VEAP relies on 1,200 volunteers to provide the services to residents in the communities of Richfield, Bloomington and Edina and portions of South Minneapolis. For the past 41 years, it has received financial and in-kind donations from local businesses, congregations, foundations, organizations, schools and individuals to run its programs. Proceeds from the Annual Gala are also a big part of fostering VEAP’s mission.
WHAT: VEAP 15th Annual Gala “A Place We Call Home”
15th Annual Gala commemorates VEAP’s move into a new ”home” and the myriad of ways that VEAP helps area residents stay secure and stable in their homes.
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. on November 14, 2014
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton – Bloomington Minneapolis South
7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439
COST: $150 per person ($105 is tax deductible); $1750 table sponsor
PURCHASE TICKETS: Visit www.annualgala.veap.org through November 7, 2014
