St. Francis House and Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center are set to celebrate the youth center’s sixth anniversary this summer with the first-ever Keys of Hope Gala.
The gala is presented by Bronx House Pizza and will take place on Saturday, June 28, at the picturesque Ancient City Farmstead in St. Augustine from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center is the only one of its kind in St. John’s County, providing beds and resources to homeless young people throughout the county. It currently operates with 24 beds, but the shelter typically serves 30-35 young people per night.
“Our ultimate goal is to help homeless youth find permanent, stable housing,” said Joy Casem, Director of Development at Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center.
The Keys of Hope Gala later this summer will not only serve as a celebration, but a fundraiser to collect crucial funds necessary for the well-being of the facility and the youth that it supports.
The gala’s tagline, “YOU are the KEY to unlocking HOPE for homeless youth in St. John’s County,” rings true throughout the theme of the gala.
During the event, guests can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails along with delicious food from Bronx House Pizza. There will be music, dancing, and both silent and live auctions for bidding. Guests can also participate in a Key Raffle, where they’ll purchase a key in the hopes that it’s the lucky match for a treasure chest of goodies.
Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center’s goal is to raise $100,000 and see at least 250 guests attend the gala, though there’s always room for a larger outcome.
The Keys for Hope Gala is still looking for sponsors and invites interested parties to look over sponsorship levels and opportunities.
Individual tickets for the gala are $125 per person and can be purchased at www.stfrancisshelter.org/events/keysofhope/.
