CELEBRATING MOTHERS LUNCHEON

Co-Chaired by Irene Holmes and Janie Gestal, Epiphany Center and the Epiphany League held its third annual Celebrating Mothers Luncheon on May 5, 2011 at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The event included an orchid sale, silent auction, and a chorale performance by the Songbirds. The highlight of the event was a testimonial from an Epiphany Center graduate:

“When I first came to the Epiphany Center I was heavily addicted to crack cocaine, ashamed of who I had become, scared, and wanting my life back. I participated in intense treatment groups that educated me on the physical and mental effects of my drug use, and how my drug use affected my emotions. My counselor worked with me tirelessly on recognizing what would trigger my drug use and how to deal with those triggers.

Other valuable services provided were individual therapy for my daughter and family therapy for both of us. Epiphany Center also assisted me financially with getting much needed dental treatment, and they provided housing assistance when I was nearing the end of treatment.

My life is good today. I am financially independent, currently employed as an administrative analyst. I no longer have to live in public housing. My life today would not be possible without the treatment I received at the Epiphany Center and the charitable donations that help to keep those doors open.”

Thank you to all who attended and to luncheon sponsors Janie Gestal and Irene Holmes, Lisa Gruber, Tia Manca, Adrienne Murphy, and Yvonne Sangiacomo. Together we raised nearly $32,000 for women, children, and families served by Epiphany Center programs. Special thanks to Epiphany League members Ann Kauffman for coordinating the centerpieces, Janie Gestal for coordinating the plants, Kay Kleinen and Addie Sullivan for coordinating the silent auction, and Terry Keyes for donating the cupcakes.

Included in what was raised, 75 people donated $12,295 to Fund A Smile—Epiphany Center’s dental program. These funds will provide much-needed dental work, improving women’s self-esteem and good health.

Part of Epiphany Center’s important work is to support the mother-child relationship—vital to the healthy development of both mother and child. In addition to organizing the Celebrating Mothers Luncheon, Epiphany League members held a luncheon a few days earlier to honor 20 clients and mothers. It was a wonderful Mother’s Day week!

Left to Right: Carolyn Hipps and LaVerne Reiterman

Left to Right: Luncheon Co-Chairs Janie Gestal and Irene Holmes

Left to Right: Jamie Gersovitz, Sister Estela Morales, Joyce McGuire, and Michelle Kleier

Left to Right: Kay Kleinen and Carolyn Ranken

Left to Right: mother and daughter Ida Schwartz and Diane Estrinn

Left to Right: Lisa Gruber and Valerie Erickson