Reflecting Hope

On the morning of Nov. 20, almost 1,000 people from scattered distances logged into their devices to start their day with hope—specifically, Reflecting Hope, the virtual community gathering hosted by St. Vincent de Paul.

The virtual event continued SVdP’s longstanding tradition of gathering its community the Friday before Thanksgiving, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. While people couldn’t share breakfast at the Phoenician for the nonprofit’s usual Restoring Hope fundraiser, human connection was abundant.

The program, hosted by 12News anchor Mark Curtis, showcased community and the tremendous compassion and love at work in Arizona, especially through SVdP’s response to the pandemic. It also went in-depth into the assistance provided for the family of Maria Vera.

The virtual presentation included a shared experience—a Hope Box—mailed to every person who registered. Together at a distance, the SVdP family carefully opened their Hope Boxes to learn of the special gift inside, a single note card with paid postage to be sent as an expression of love and gratitude to someone who gave hope. Or it could be sent to someone in need of hope as an expression of love and encouragement.

While the event was not a fundraiser, a group of supporters pledged a $500,000 matching gift, which will match all gifts made to St. Vincent de Paul through the end of the year.

You can give HERE.

PHOTOS COURTESY ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

A Hope Box

Videographer PJ Gal-Szabo and Gabriela Montes