The Joseph Fund Announces Inaugural Hand Up Gala Committee Co-Chairs

The Joseph Fund, a Camden-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the ministries of St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, has announced Susan Hodges and Lisa Blaber of Haddonfield will serve as event committee co-chairs for the organization’s inaugural “Hand Up Gala” on Saturday, November 1 at Adventure Aquarium.

The event will honor Camden native Monsignor Robert McDermott (“Father Bob”), who has spent more than 30 years advocating for the City of Camden and its residents. Supported by Presenting Sponsor Lourdes Health System and Platinum Sponsor The Kennedy Companies, proceeds will benefit the many programs Father Bob has created and led to transform the lives of thousands of Camden residents.

The Hand Up Gala takes its name from Father Bob’s philosophy that giving people a “hand up” instead of a “hand out” has a much more profound impact on their lives. That philosophy is a guiding tenet of The Joseph Fund – and one that drew Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Blaber to become actively involved with the organization’s Events Committee.

“It’s a big undertaking,” said Hodges of the inaugural gala, “but it will be well worth it if we’re able to raise awareness about The Joseph Fund, its ministries and all that Father Bob has accomplished in Camden.”

Blaber and her husband, Dr. Reginald Blaber, a cardiologist and the executive director of the Lourdes Cardiovascular Institute who also serves on the board of The Joseph Fund, first heard about the organization from a friend. They were invited to tour the program facilities by Mark Hodges, executive director of The Joseph Fund and husband of fellow co-chair Susan Hodges.

“I’ve done philanthropic work in Camden before, but when I toured The Joseph Fund’s facilities, I saw what a real change the organization is making by giving people an opportunity to not only survive but thrive,” said Blaber, who has become an enthusiastic advocate and volunteer for the organization. In addition to signing on as co-chair of the Gala, Blaber accompanies her husband to medical clinics hosted at Joseph’s House, a homeless shelter supported by The Joseph Fund that offers various social services to help residents escape the cycle of poverty, as part of its partnership with Lourdes.

“Many homeless citizens are either afraid to seek care or don’t know how to access care to address their issues, but Joseph’s House provides an onsite medical clinic, mental health and substance abuse counseling.” said Blaber. “Seeing the organization’s response to this real need within the community underscores the fact that The Joseph Fund understands the needs of the community and creates programs that address those needs.”

Throughout his 30 years as a pastor in Camden, Father Bob has devoted himself to serving those in need by launching numerous ministries to meet the needs of his neighbors in a city in decline. His philanthropic endeavors include saving an elementary school from closing, reorganizing the Child Development Center, and creating four new ministries, including the St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society, L.U.C.Y. Outreach, Romero Center Ministries, and Joseph’s House.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, email JFsponsorship@gmail.com; to purchase space in the event program book, email JFprogrambook@gmail.com. To learn more about The Joseph Fund, contact Executive Director Mark Hodges at mhodges@josephfundcamden.org, visit www.josephfundcamden.org, or call 856-576-7012.

TJF Hodges & Blaber:
Gala Committee Co-Chairs Susan Hodges (left) and Lisa Blaber, both of Haddonfield