Perseverance in Hope 2019 Annual Benefit Luncheon Raises Over $52,000

The following article appears in the fall 2019 issue of the Joseph’s Journey newsletter. Read the full newsletter here.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez delivers a message of hope during his keynote speech, telling the crowd, “Hope in the midst of despair is at the center of Christianity. The resurrection offers us hope. Joseph’s Home is a sign of hope.”

More than 320 people attended the sold-out Perseverance in Hope annual fundraising luncheon in June at Windows on the River in Cleveland, raising over $52,000 to benefit the men of Joseph’s Home. The Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, Bishop of Cleveland, was the keynote speaker and Dan Moulthrop, CEO of The City Club of Cleveland, served as emcee.

Bishop Perez focused on the theme of hope in his keynote speech, telling the crowd, “Hope in the midst of despair is at the center of Christianity. The resurrection offers us hope. Joseph’s Home is a sign of hope.” The bishop shared a story about someone who asked him if he has hope despite all that is going on in the world. “I told him that I follow a faith that believes a dead man came back to life so yes, I have hope. I gave my life to that faith. This is what’s at the center of being a Christian,” he said.

Just as the resurrection continues to bring hope, he said Joseph’s Home continues to provide hope for men in despair. “People who don’t even know them care, love and support them at Joseph’s Home. That’s what hope looks like—a ray of light in the midst of despair. And it wouldn’t happen if not for the Sisters (of Charity of St. Augustine) and people like you,” the bishop said. “Some men have gone on to get jobs and housing but they couldn’t see that when they were in despair, lying in a hospital bed. Joseph’s Home helped them see it.”

Christine Horne, executive director, recognized Jeanne Colleran and her husband, Richard Weaver, for their generous gift to the Sister Joan Gallagher Endowment Fund. Pictured with Jeanne (middle) are Sr. Joan and Christine.

At the luncheon, the second annual David Henderson Memorial Award was presented to Burt Saltzman of Dave’s Supermarket for his dedication to the ministry. When staff members go to the grocery store for supplies, Saltzman often greets them and asks about the residents, even sending cakes for special occasions. The award is named in honor of former resident David Henderson to keep his spirit of advocacy alive after he passed away in 2017. Jeanne Colleran and her husband, Richard Weaver, were also recognized for their generous gift to the Sister Joan Gallagher Endowment Fund, which was established to honor Sr. Joan’s service and spirit as one of the original planners of Joseph’s Home and its first executive director.

Tom Strauss, CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, also spoke at the luncheon. He called Joseph’s Home “the heart and hands of our ministry.” Richard Gallagher, chair of the Joseph’s Home Board of Directors, congratulated luncheon attendees: “You are the means of hope for these men. They’re not alone, thanks to you. The future is bright for many hundreds of men whose lives will be forever changed by the generosity and compassion of friends like you.” Thank you to everyone whose participation and support made Perseverance in Hope possible. To see more photos from the luncheon, please visit facebook.com/josephshomeoh.