More than three decades old, the non-profit Boys Hope Girls Hope foundation has homes for adolescents in need throughout the country, the New Orleans area included, and on Saturday 12 May, the second annual “Hope On Deck” fundraiser event was held at the St. Joseph Center on Gravier Street in New Orleans.
Emma McCreight was the event co-chair, and she explained both the organization and the event.
“The organization provides children in need with a stable home, positive parenting, academic opportunities, and the support needed to reach their full potential. In addition to the governing board, in 2011 a Junior Board consisting of 30 young professionals was formed to offer mentoring to scholars, raising awareness of the organization and fund raise. Hope on Deck is the Junior Board’s 2nd annual event that allows the Junior Board to fulfill it’s mission,” she said.
Below, some members of the junior board pose. From left-to-right are Mary Dale, Jessica Sita, James Ryan, Danielle Sybrant, Emma McCreight, and Bri Altier.
“I became introduced to Boys Hope Girls Hope when I moved to New Orleans a few years ago,” McCreight continued, “and after learning about the mission of this organization, I wanted to do more. I have volunteered since I was in grade school, but usually with adults, so when I was saw that BHGH needed some young professionals more involved with the organization, I jumped on the opportunity to serve on the new Junior Board.”
Below, McCreight poses again, this time with, from left-to-right, Kelly Allenspack, director of development Jessica Sita, events chair, and Rachel Nuna, junior board president.
“Serving on the Board has opened my eyes even more to the scholars that participate with BHGH,” McCreight continued. “It is a humbling and beautiful experience to witness children from 8-18 years of age come together at their dinner table, do homework, or participate in an event as a true family. Not only do the scholars have staff and volunteers who look out for them, but they look out for each other. Knowing and seeing first hand how our time and donations truly support the scholars, motivates me to continue to help plan events such as Hope on Deck!”
Below, Sita, who works during the day at Dominican High School, pays a visit to her fellow volunteers, these working at the raffle table.
The St. Joseph Center is behind the large St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tulane Avenue.
Below is seen, again, the raffle table.
Three friends pose below, as someone signs up at the raffle table at the left.
McKeown makes jewelry as a hobby, and donated some of her jewelry as part of the raffle, which she said is the first time she shows off her jewelry.
“They said, ‘we’ll get donors,’ and I said, ‘I’ll be happy to donate my jewelry,’” McKeown said of the process that led her to donate her jewelry for the event.
More information can be learned about the New Orleans chapter of Boys Hope Girls Hope at its website.
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After working in in BHGH for 11 years as a director and another several years as CEO of children’s facilities, as well as state mental health director at LSU Health Sciences Center, I must confess BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE not only works, it may well be the ONLY program that works for this population. Truth is in the pudding! Great job Junior Board.