On Thursday, May 1 the Service League welcomed 180 guests for its 39th Annual Prayer Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Foster City to celebrate the 74th National Day of Prayer. This year's event was dedicated to the memory of Janet Thomas, a Hope House staff member and volunteer. For 25 years, Janet dedicated countless hours to the women of Hope House through her time, support, guidance and love.
Steve Wagstaffe, Board President and District Attorney of San Mateo County, MC'd the event which featured musical performances by BreakFree Music Ministries and powerful personal testimony. Undersheriff Perea and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Honor Guard kickstarted the event by leading the pledge of allegiance. Jeremy Seisa, Religious Services Coordinator, gave the opening invocation and grace. We welcomed Religious and Spiritual Services volunteers to share positive messages of faith including Sandra Sweet (New Community Church, Menlo Park), Kent Putnam (Zen Center, San Francisco) and Phil Evans (Christian Science Committee for Institutional Work). Sydney Reynolds, a Hope House alumna, shared her powerful personal journey of finding recovery at an early age and starting her career helping others achieve sobriety at the Hope House.
The third Dennis Sammut Ambassador Award was awarded to Pastor Katie Goetz by Cody Sammut and Executive Director Karen Francone. Pastor Katie has led her congregation at Woodside Road United Methodist Church in Redwood City and its support of the Service League for the past 10 years, helping vulnerable individuals and families access vital basic needs and re-enter society. She has carried the torch as an advocate for those who have often been forgotten and do not have a voice. Her selfless work in the community provides hope and benefits to many. Katie was additionally awarded certificates of recognition from Senator Becker, Congressman Kevin Mullin and the Board of Supervisors.
A special thank you to our Miracle of Hope Sponsor, the Michael and Sally Mayer Family Foundation, for your generous financial support and for providing the beautiful flower centerpieces, and to Rosemary, Dave and Greg for leading the "ask" portion of the program with passion and heart. Thank you also to Janice Matre, Hope House Manager, and the Hope House residents for creating the beautiful art card keepsake that each guest received.
Thank you to all who attended including our sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff, Hope House residents and alumni, spiritual leaders and speakers. You all played an important part in making this event a powerful, uplifting and successful day!
A Special Thank You to This Year's Sponsors
Miracle of Hope $25,000
Michael and Sally Mayer Family Foundation
Spirit of Hope $2,500
Hillsdale Reimagined
Naomi Kitajima & Tom Langenstein
Putnam Mazda
Heart of Hope $1,000
County of San Mateo
Pam & Brad Ehikian
Law Office of Paula Canny
Monterra Credit Union
Jim & Helena Saco
Pete & Paula Uccelli Foundation
Seed of Hope $750
Christian Science Institutional Committee
Hearts For Humanity Bay Area
Higher Power (Central Peninsula Church)
Investigative Analysis
Francine Miltenberger & Ken Kilen
Law Office of Russell H. Miller
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Scannell Family
