Hundreds of Supporters “Partied with a Purpose” at the Annual Fundraising Event
QUINCY, Mass. (Dec. 23, 2024) – More than 300 of Interfaith Social Services’ supporters gathered to “party with a purpose” at the organization’s recent Feed the Hungry Gala. Held Dec. 6 at Granite Links, the event raised more than $450,000 for Interfaith’s programs.
Interfaith Social Services operates one of Greater Boston’s largest emergency food pantries, a mental health counseling center, Thrift Shop and homelessness prevention program. Since 1947, Interfaith Social Services has been a safety net for thousands of children and families from the South Shore who are struggling to make ends meet. Fundraising at the annual Feed the Hungry Gala accounts for a significant percentage of Interfaith’s annual budget.
FTH1 – Guests of the Feed the Hungry Gala raised their paddles during the fundraising program at Interfaith Social Services’ signature event on Dec. 6 at Granite Links. Generous individuals and businesses raised $450,000 for Interfaith’s emergency food, mental health and homelessness prevention programs at the event.Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
“Without a doubt Interfaith’s programs have never been needed more than right now,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services.
Doane said the organization has seen a 100% increase in the number of households served by their food pantry in the last four years.
“If you drive by our building on any given morning, you will see hundreds of people lining up to get groceries,” Doane said. “They don’t want to be there, but they have no choice. Faced with a lack of affordable housing, they are having to make choices between paying rent and buying groceries. The lines of clients are a visible representation of how expensive it is to live in our state.”
Interfaith’s homelessness prevention program also saw a 70% increase this year in outreach from South Shore residents facing eviction or the loss of a basic utility.
“It was incredible to witness such an incredible display of generosity at this year’s Gala,” Doane said. “The community showed up in force to donate and sustain Interfaith’s programs.”
FTH2 – Chel Paul Wahlberg of Hingham’s Alma Nove restaurant served up sample plates of braised pork with cheesy polenta for guests at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 6 Feed the Hungry Gala. Attendees sampled food and beverages from more than a dozen local restaurants and breweries at the organization’s annual fundraising event. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
Feed the Hungry Gala guests enjoyed an evening of food and beverage samples, games, a silent auction and live music. Restaurants attending included Abby Park, Alma Nove, Granite Links, JP Fuji Group, Liberty Tavern, Niveaux Patisserie, Novara, Ocean Seafood International, Pearl & Lime, Sweet Lizzy P Bake Shop, Uno Mas and Victory Point. Beverage samples were provided by Castle Island Brewing, Untold Brewing and Bin Ends Wine. Purefections Chocolates provided an Interfaith branded chocolate-covered Oreo for guests to take home.
Attendees played carnival-style games as they attempted to win an assortment of prizes donated by generous local businesses. Guests were excited to challenge their friends or family members to a new “minute to win it” game called Solo Cup Stack and to try to win a Dunkin’ gift card in a new Dunkin’ Carvalho Group sponsored game.
FTH7 – Interfaith volunteers Paula Cole, left, of Quincy, and James Madej, center, of Middleboro, ran the new Solo Cup Challenge game at Interfaith Social Services’ Dec. 6 Feed the Hungry Gala. Interfaith board member Peter Lung, right, of Quincy, tried his hand at stacking and unstacking the cups in under one minute as he attempted to win a prize. Credit –Matt Teuten Photography
All of Interfaith’s supporters were welcome to participate in the online silent auction, which offered packages including a Maine skiing vacation, a basketball signed by the Celtics, a Cape Cod glassblowing experience, Boston sports tickets and overnights at several Boston hotels. The South Shore’s Belted Galloways provided live music for the event.
Interfaith’s Feed the Hungry Gala is sponsored by many generous individuals and businesses, including Presenter Level Sponsor Arbella Insurance Foundation, Champion Level Sponsor Walmart, and Hero Level Sponsors The Heritage Companies, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth Quarries, Quincy Mutual Group, and Summit Energy.
Save the date now for Interfaith’s 2025 Gala, to be held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Granite Links.
To find out more about Interfaith’s programs, visit InterfaithSocialServices.org. Interfaith owns the rights to these photographs and gives the media permission to use them in print, online or on television.
