Women’s Lunch Place Goes Virtual With Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Annual Fall Gala to Take Place Online, Honoring Dr. Karilyn Crockett, the City of Boston’s First Chief of Equity
BOSTON - Sept. 28, 2020 - Women’s Lunch Place (WLP), a non-profit day shelter for women experiencing poverty and homelessness located in the Back Bay, will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner event virtually on Oct. 30. The event’s theme, “Equity – Our Vision for the Future,” focuses on WLP’s critical work to address the devastating consequences of racial and economic inequalities. WLP stands at the forefront of the battle to secure food and housing for Greater Boston’s most vulnerable women.
“Prior to COVID-19, our guests were living at or beyond the margins. WLP has long recognized the inequities our guests have grappled with throughout their lives. At this pivotal moment, the funds raised at Spaghetti Dinner will ensure WLP’s continued ability to meet the urgent needs of our guests,” said Jennifer Hanlon Wigon, WLP’s Executive Director.
In recognition of the systemic inequities that daily impact their guests, WLP announced Dr. Karilyn Crockett, the City of Boston’s first Chief of Equity, as the event’s 2020 Honoree. Through her cabinet-level position, Crockett embeds equity and racial justice into all city planning and operations to ensure equal opportunity across Boston’s neighborhoods. Mayor Walsh has declared racism a “public health crisis” and has called on Dr. Crockett to lead the city’s efforts to address the inequities stemming from racism. In addition to Dr. Crockett, WLP is recognizing three “Heroes in Action.” WinnCompanies, recognized as the Housing Hero, launched an eviction moratorium to relieve tenants' financial hardship during the pandemic. The New England Patriots Foundation, recognized as the Hunger Hero, has been donating over 750 lbs. of food each week to help WLP prepare healthy meals. WLP’s volunteer mask makers are being recognized as the Health Heroes. This is a group of volunteers and donors who provide critical safety supplies for WLP’s guests and staff.
Boston based radio and TV host, Callie Crossley of GBH, will be hosting the Spaghetti Dinner, with GBH being the event’s media partner. In addition, The Boston Symphony Orchestra will join the night, featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra’s Summons the Heroes, directed by Keith Lockhart, as a tribute to those that WLP is honoring as “Heroes.”
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Paula White at paula@womenslunchplace.org. Tickets and more information can be found online at womenslunchplace.org.
ABOUT WOMEN’S LUNCH PLACE: Women’s Lunch Place is a day shelter that welcomes approximately 250 women each day. WLP provides a safe, judgment-free day community for women battling the obstacles that accompany poverty: homelessness, housing instability, hunger, trauma, and isolation. Women’s Lunch Place has provided critical services for nearly 38 years beginning in 1982.
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