2023 Moment in Time Gala SOLD OUT! Event raised $100,000 to fund Chaplains and Programming for Children in St. Louis’ Juvenile Justice System
Nearly 150 friends and supporters of Episcopal City Mission showed up to this year’s Moment in Time Gala and Auction on Thursday, October 19. Moment in Time is our largest fundraiser to support chaplains and programs for children in St. Louis’ Juvenile Justice System. Guests included staff from both of St. Louis’ juvenile detention centers; members and clergy from Episcopal congregations in the St. Louis area; ECM Chaplains, staff and Board members. Some of our guests who were invited by others knew very little about ECM; everyone learned something and left even more inspired to partner with ECM in the impactful work we do with the children we serve.
The Forest Park Golf Clubhouse provided a beautiful backdrop for this year’s theme: “Continuing to Light the Way to Hope & Healing.” Dr. Gerald Early, the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters in the African and African American Studies Department at Washington University in St. Louis, was our Honorary Event Chair. Dr. Early spoke from the heart to share three stories about past experiences that fostered deep self-reflection about making assumptions, judging others, and personal responsibility. Ty Hawkins, an Anchor/Reporter working for FOX 2 News, kept things light and entertaining as our celebrity Emcee. Auctioneer Fletcher Lane worked his magic to bring out the generosity of our guests to make Chaplains’ Champion donations and bid on exciting items – including breakfast with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Deon Johnson. (Thank you Katherine Ziegler, from Emmanuel Church in Webster Groves, for hanging in there to be the winning bidder!)
One of the highlights was the Mission Moment video that included interviews with a mother whose son received care from our chaplains, with staff from St. Louis’ Juvenile Detention Centers and Family Court, ECM volunteers and chaplains – each with a personal story about how important our work is for the children we serve in their time of crisis. You can view this video on our Facebook page. Guests at the gala came away with the desire to become more involved, as well as a deeper understanding of the impact ECM has on the children by helping them gain a new perspective and outlook about themselves, others, and their future.
This year’s Moment in Time was a success in every way, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and everyone who attended. Our guests enjoyed a lovely evening, and we were able to raise nearly $100,000 (gross) to fund our mission to provide support, hope, and healing to children in St. Louis’ juvenile justice system. If you couldn’t attend the gala and would like to add to the success of our event, donate online at www.ecitymission.org or by mailing a check, payable to Episcopal City Mission, at 1210 Locust Street, Suite 306, St. Louis, MO 63103.
