HELP Foundation Announces Spring Gala: Helping Lives Bloom

HELP Foundation is proud to announce the First Annual Helping Lives Bloom Spring Gala taking place on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 6pm-10pm at Stillwater Place inside Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  The event will benefit the construction of a self-sustaining greenhouse for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  The greenhouse will provide access to an adaptive environment with year-round growing capabilities that will produce “farm-to-table” organic fruits and vegetables for group homes, supportive living locations and our HELP Cornucopia Vocational Training Center. 

The evening will boast a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, open bar, plated chef-prepared dinner, live and silent auctions (including exotic vacations!) wine pulls and much more!  Music will be provided by Cleveland Institute of Music’s string ensemble, Ensemble Mercury.

The greenhouse will also serve as a continuous reminder of an important family legacy, The Green Family.  The Green’s were living as a humble farming family in Madison, Ohio when superstore conglomerate, Walmart, offered to purchase their land in order to build a store that would stimulate Madison’s rural economy.  The Green’s decided to sell their land and every penny of the money that they received was put into a protected trust fund to care for their developmentally disabled daughter, LuAnn.  As time went on, the family realized they couldn’t care for her on their own and began seeking out alternative care options.  This is when the Green’s reached out to HELP and developed a Family Consortium, a unique program that combined family resources to purchase a home and hire a provider to care for their sweet daughter.

Altogether, three beautiful and inspirational women lived in this home.  For over 25 years, HELP provided services to the women who became like family to us and sisters to each other.  After LuAnn passed away, a portion of the funds that remained in her trust were generously granted to HELP Foundation.  To honor the legacy of the Green Family, HELP has decided to build a state of the art handicap accessible “Green House”.  The space will be the center of our horticultural programming and provide a sensory-friendly experience within a park-like green space.  The “Green House” will have a lasting impact on the lives of the individuals with disabilities, and the communities that we serve!

For more than 50 years, HELP Foundation has served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We provide residential, employment, transportation and day support services for adults, and summer enrichment opportunities for children.  HELP Supports pathways that give every person the chance to thrive and reach their full ability, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive community.  HELP is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that serves the greater Cleveland area and surrounding communities throughout Cuyahoga, Lake and Summit Counties.

Please visit www.helpfoundationinc.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

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Volume 10, Issue 2, Posted 4:44 PM, 01.30.2019