Since 1996, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has hosted a biennial gala to show gratitude to supporters and fundraise for future clients that need help with things such as affording housing, childcare, food and more. In their 45th year of serving communities across the West Metro, Interfaith Outreach held their Spread Your Wings Gala June 7.
Marketing and Communications Director Deb Lande explained, “The Spread Your Wings name originated from the expression ‘spread your wings and fly’ and represents independence, soaring to new heights and the way people may feel when they experience financial stability and community connections.”
The name also represents the importance of volunteers and their work within the organization and community.
“People get help and they turn around and they help the next person. People spread their wings for others,” Interfaith Outreach Board Director Jessie Sorenson said.
With a rock ’n’ roll theme, the band PowerTap took to the Medina Entertainment Center’s stage and covered many classic rock songs for the gala. During their performance, attendees got the chance to make their bids in a silent auction which offered a Minnesota Wild jersey signed by Brock Faber, Minnesota Opera tickets, a BlueFin Bay Resort getaway, and more. A live auction was also held and offered a private dinner at Wayzata’s very own McCormick’s, private suites to Timberwolves and Twins games and a vacation package.
To add to the fun, games such as hole-in-one putting and ring toss were set up for attendees to enjoy. Rockstar clad attendees also had the option to not just get their photos taken on the carpet leading into the event but get illustrated portraits done by artist Claire Ward.
The gala was joined by Executive Director, Kevin Ward, who gave a speech on the kind of support Interfaith Outreach gives to those in need.
“Last fiscal year we served 1,568 households. That’s actually 4,800 individuals that experience our mission in action. 44% were actually children under the age of 18,” Ward stated.
Attendees got to hear the story of one Interfaith Outreach client April Racette, who lost her nursing job due to an injury. Many jobs in her field had physical requirements that she no longer could do because of her injury, which brought a struggle to pay for medical bills and support her family financially. Once she reached out to Interfaith Outreach, they helped her get back on her feet financially and get a job. She now no longer needs their help and volunteers for Interfaith Outreach herself to give back the help she was once given.
“IOCP conducted research last year that demonstrated about 1,000 households are at risk of needing services, that means they are just one car repair, or health emergency away from experiencing a financial crisis,” Lande commented. “IOCP provides basic needs services such as food and clothing as well as stability services such as housing, childcare, financial assistance, transportation, and community connections so people in the community can experience a feeling of belonging.”
With the help of volunteers, the gala was able to surpass its $500,000 goal and raise $565,000 that will be used to pay for food that clients may not be able to afford, housing, childcare and much more.
Lande added, “At the heart of this work is putting the client community at the center of everything we do. This gala helps the organization meet its mission so that those who are experiencing some economic trouble know they live in a community that cares and will rally together so everyone can experience ongoing stability.”
For more information on how to help the community by volunteering with Interfaith Outreach or to donate, visit iocp.org .
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