Perseverance in Hope 2015 Celebrates Exceptional Leadership and Service
EVENT OVERVIEW
On June 26, more than 300 friends and supporters of Joseph’s Home gathered at Windows on the River in Cleveland for Perseverance in Hope: The 2015 Joseph’s Home Benefit Luncheon.
Emcee Kevin J. Kelley, Cleveland City Council president, welcomed the crowd and challenged guests to keep homelessness a priority issue for our community and nation. Former Cleveland Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano delivered an entertaining and inspirational keynote address.
Guests witnessed the unveiling of a plaque that honors the nine Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine known as “The Dream Team” for their work to spearhead the founding of Joseph’s Home 15 years ago. The plaque will be on permanent display at Joseph’s Home.
Sister Joan Gallagher, CSA, the founding executive director of Joseph’s Home, offered a moving tribute to Georgette Jackson, outgoing executive director. Nathan Munn, Joseph’s Home director of development, was introduced as the interim executive director.
Many thanks to the sponsors, donors and attendees whose support and participation helped make Perseverance in Hope a tremendous success for the acutely ill homeless residents of Joseph’s Home. Winning bids on the 30 silent auction items totaled more than $4,000. Overall, the event raised more than $42,000 to provide food, shelter, nursing care, social services and continuity of care services for the residents and alumni of Joseph’s Home.
Special thanks also to Sam Rutigliano and Kevin J. Kelley for their outstanding service and heartfelt remarks.
EVENT PHOTOS
Here are a few photos from the event. For more photos, visit the Perseverance in Hope 2015 album on our Facebook page.
 | Left to right: Joseph’s Home Board Chair Kathy Heigle, Emcee Kevin J. Kelley, Keynote Speaker Sam Rutigliano and Executive Director Georgette Jackson |
| Guests from St. John Medical Center |  |
 | Guests from PNC Bank |
GUEST COMMENTS
HealthTrust was very pleased to be represented at the Joseph’s Home luncheon. We look forward to the event every year in support of the outstanding work done by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in the community. It was especially nice seeing the recognition of the core group of Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine who initiated Joseph’s Home, what a legacy they have created. I found Coach Rutigliano’s words of perseverance and faith very uplifting as well. – Barry J. Bumm, VP Sales, MidAmerica Region, HealthTrust
Margaret W. Wong is proud to support Joseph’s Home. We loved meeting the “dream team” who founded this institution at the luncheon. They are very inspirational people. – Michael Patterson, Margaret W. Wong & Associates
The atmosphere at Joseph’s Home Benefit Luncheon was welcoming and exciting. Everyone was very friendly. I was able to witness 3 great moments while I was there and I shared them with my family and community. First, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine’s story was inspiring and hopeful. It was their faith and service to God that led these humble women to reach out so many years ago. The Dream Team were in our presence and they were given a standing ovation for their tenacity and maintaining the tradition of service. Second, Sam Rutigliano was the keynote speaker. I am not sure if I should say more. I just remember my father and I watching the Browns on TV and how we cheered them on, seeing the coach at the time giving it his all. He has a young spirited mind and way of thinking. I was honored to be there and it definitely made me remember another great moment with my father, who is present with the Lord since October 2003. Lastly, I was able to witness sincere love of people. There were tears in the eyes of Georgette Jackson, Executive Director of Joseph’s Home, saying her final words serving in that role. She was given her flowers while she yet lives – this is an old quote I would hear from my grandmother. I know that my peers and colleagues were just as moved as I at this luncheon and it definitely changed my perspective of serving others. – Benita Smith, PNC Bank
I thought the luncheon this year was brilliant! I really enjoyed the guest speaker Sam Rutigliano’s message. Sam’s speech gave the audience an intimate view of his thoughts and inspiration. I thought that Sam would speak about his career as a head coach with the Cleveland Browns, however, I was amazed to hear how God ordered his footsteps. His first sentence set the tone and captivated the audience’s attention from the first minute that he spoke. Throughout his talk he did make mention of his career but his message was clearly about his mission on earth and his service to God. His message inspired a call to action for everyone in attendance. I also enjoyed the remarks from the outgoing Executive Director Georgette Jackson as well as the remarks from Kathy Heigle. For me I had to reflect internally and make adjustments on my own community service. – Victoria L. Moore, PNC Bank
The Joseph’s Home luncheon was a wonderful celebration of the work of a ministry that does so much for the homeless community in Cleveland. The presence of so many participants from all walks of life is both proof of and a testament to the power of the mission. The highlight of the event was the recognition of residents of Joseph’s Home – both current and past. – Srinivas Merugu, MD, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio
