On Saturday, June 28, members of the community gathered at Ancient City Farmstead in St. Augustine for the first-ever Keys of Hope Gala.
The event was not only meant to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, but also to raise funds necessary for the well-being of the facility and the youth that it supports.
“These kids are coming from places that no kid should,” said Executive Director Judith Dembowski. “They do not have the support to meet the obstacles that they have to in order to be self-sufficient, so that’s our goal for our kids.”
Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, a branch of St. Francis House, was launched in 2017 to support homeless youth in St. Johns County. Their current facilities are equipped with 24 beds, but the organization shelters an average of 30-35 youth every day.
The Keys of Hope Gala’s goal was to raise $100,000, a feat made possible through ticket sales, a silent auction, a live auction and a key raffle where guests could purchase a key in the hopes that it was the lucky match for a treasure chest of goodies. Final numbers from the gala’s fundraising are still incoming.
At the silent auction, guests could place bids on a number of local pieces and activities, such as stunning nature-inspired artwork from local artist Kim Sapp or a two-night luxury stay at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra.
During the live auctions, guests were jumping out of their seats to bid on similar items and experiences with the help of a lively auctioneer.
“These kids are always amazed that the people who were supposed to care for them did not, but strangers in the community show up [for them],” Dembowski said, reading a message of thanks that one of the shelter’s kids wrote for attendees at the gala.
Bronx House Pizza was one of the gala’s sponsors, a successful Italian-American chain with roots in Florida, which provided the evening’s lite bites and buffet-style meal. Guests were also treated to music, cocktails, a photo booth and an opportunity to leave a message of hope for kids at the shelter.
Before the evening concluded, co-owners of Bronx House Pizza, Bruno DiFabio and Michael Bennici, revealed a generous donation of $30,000 to Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center.
“My message tonight is that we can all do something,” said DiFabio. “It’s easy to volunteer, and it’s the best way to give back.”
