The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus isn’t singing in the rain. It’s singing to provide shelter from the rain and cold this winter for people in the San Gabriel Valley who are homeless and at risk and who need supportive services. The chorus is performing at a Friends In Deed benefit on Thursday, Nov. 14, at San Marino Community Church, 1750 Virginia Road, San Marino.
“Pasadena is a compassionate community,” says the Rev. Pat O’Reilly, executive director of Friends In Deed, “and we are hoping everyone will come together to help support our programs so desperately needed by families and individuals in our city.” An example of recent funding challenges is the loss of city and national funding for winter shelter programs, which means the Bad Weather Shelter cannot accommodate families this year.
Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for student. A silent auction and reception begins at 6 p.m. The concert is at 7 p.m.
The event also honors Westridge School and its justice class program for their generous support of Friends In Deed over many years.
The annual fall event also brings together and celebrates the hundreds of volunteers, donors and other supporters of Friends In Deed and its interfaith community, which has been improving the quality of life for low-income and other people in need since 1894. The motto is “Doing together what we cannot do alone.”
Today, the Bad Weather Shelter, Food Pantry, The Women’s Room serving women who are homeless or at risk, and homeless prevention services fall under the umbrella of Friends In Deed.
Last year, the Bad Weather Shelter provided shelter and hot meals for about 150 people each night over a span of 74 days at a cost of about $12 a night per person. This winter, however, the Bad Weather Shelter will open only when temperatures dip below 40 degrees or there is a 40 percent chance of rains. It also cannot accommodate families because of budget constraints.
About 250 households totaling 600 individuals receive supplemental food from the Pantry at Friends In Deed each week. Without this support, many would go hungry.
About 30 women visit The Women’s Room each day for renewal with services such as a shower, laundry, nutritious food and acceptance for who they are where they are.
Further information is available on www.friendsineedpas.org or by calling 626-797-2402.
Sponsorship opportunities are available through Katy Cashman at krcashman@gmail.com.
