Mission House held their fourth annual Grazie Gala on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Marsh Landing Country Club.
Mission House is a nonprofit organization located in Jacksonville Beach that provides support and resources to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their mission is to restore health and hope by meeting people’s immediate needs while also helping them work toward stable and independent lives.
“We provide services such as hot meals, showers, clothing, hygiene supplies, health care
and case management. Our case management services can help individuals with finding housing, employment, identification, transportation and other resources,” said Leah Munson, director of development at Mission House.
At the gala, guests enjoyed an Italian-inspired evening featuring a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction.
The Grazie Gala has become Mission House’s signature fundraising event. Each year, the gala brings community members, business leaders and local partners together to help support a local cause. All proceeds go towards their programs and services, and this year the gala raised $175,000.
“This isn’t just another night out,” said Lucas Seilhymer, executive director of Mission House. “It’s a chance to come together as a community, celebrate all we’ve accomplished, and support a cause that truly matters.”
Mission House has several outreach efforts that support people experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Jacksonville Beach community.
“Our newest initiative is Mission House Mobile. Here, our mobile outreach vehicle brings the mission of Mission House directly to people experiencing homelessness throughout the community. Our team meets individuals who are within our service area, but cannot physically come to our facility, providing essential resources, compassionate support, basic necessities and connections to services that can help them move toward stability,” said Munson.
Munson said the work that Mission House does is vital to the community because by providing both immediate assistance and long-term support, they are helping people to regain stability and independence.
Mission House also involves the whole community through volunteer opportunities, donation drives, church and school partnerships, and community events.
“Overall, Mission House helps make the community stronger by giving people in need hope, dignity and opportunities to improve their lives,” said Munson.
