Building Hope Gala.

FOOD FOR THE POOR, NAMED BY THE CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY AS THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION IN THE NATION, DOES MUCH MORE THAN FEED MILLIONS OF THE HUNGRY POOR IN 17 COUNTRIES OF THE CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA.  THIS INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY PROVIDES EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE, CLEAN WATER, MEDICINES, EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS, HOMES, SUPPORT FOR ORPHANS AND THE AGED, SKILLS TRAINING AND MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, WITH MORE THAN 96 PERCENT OF ALL DONATIONS GOING DIRECTLY TO PROGRAMS THAT HELP THE POOR.

This Saturday Felipi and I were privileged to attend our third "Food for the Poor" gala.  "Food for the Poor" celebrated its 18th annual "Building Hope Gala" at the Boca Raton Polo Club.  It is incredible the dedication and work this organization does to help others in need. The stories of these families who struggle each and every day to simply provide their children with food and shelter is heartbreaking.  The gala this year focused mainly on their 2013 development project in Canaan Heights, Jamaica.  We witnessed the day-to-day life of children and mothers whose fight to survive is a battle fought daily.  With tears in her eyes a mother spoke about the challenges she faces, the hopes and dreams she has for her three children.  The hopes and dreams that if not for the generosity of those directly involved with "Food for the Poor" would never come into fruition.  However, it is more than simply donating money, it is about donating your time.  Which "Food for the Poor" accomplishes masterfully.  It is so easy to slip into the habit of taking for granted the wonderful life we have.  It is so easy to allow our bad moods and bad days cloud the reality of how great the life we live truly is.  When was the last time you did not have supper?  When was the last time you did not have clean drinking water?  When was the last time you had to share one room with a family of five?  How different our lives are from those living in poverty.  How blessed we are.  I am working on ridding myself of all the negativity surrounding me.  Because what I have is truly marvelous and I am thankful.  Take a look at the "Food for The Poor" website here.  It doesn't take much to make a difference.  It doesn't take much to change a soul forever.

xoxo