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Dear Friends,
I have been thinking a lot these days about how blessed I am and how blessed we are here at Bread and Life with so many of you who join us in our mission every day. As we end our Lenten Appeal I am reminded of the parable of the good Samaritan and the fishes and loaves-both central to what we do here every day. Both parables call us to be more mindful of those around us, to share with others, to be respectful and to be more merciful, especially these days when we consistently hear of the war that ravages countries and our hearts. We hear the telling stories of those fleeing their homeland for a new beginning and meeting challenges as they try to make their way in a new place. This Lent our goal was to raise $40,000 for 40,000 meals that would be distributed during the Lenten season and thanks to all of you we not only hit our targeted goal but surpassed it. Your support, generosity and prayers enable us to collectively work together to ensure that no one goes hungry in our community. A very special thanks to the parish of St. Francis DeSales in Rockaway, who invited me to share our story with them this lent. Thank you to them for listening and for their gift to us this Lenten season.
As we enter the last quarter of this fiscal year, I want to share with you some of our most significant accomplishments. Last month, we completed work in our building making it the warm and welcoming place it has always been for our guests. We upgraded our security system, replaced our shading system, installed a new garage door, and most importantly put a new roof on Bread and Life - all major, but necessary expenses. All these upgrades were costly but necessary if we want to continue to be one of the premier emergency food and social service providers in our community.
Just around the corner is our 26th Annual Johnny’s Angel Awards dinner honoring individuals and businesses that have lived the Vincentian mission and supported the work we do here every day. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Giando’s on the Water in Brooklyn, will recognize Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Nunziatina A. Manuli and Food Bazaar for their commitment to making the world better and helping to further our mission. Please remember them in your prayers. For information on the event, you can visit our website at: breadandlife.org/JA.
As we celebrate the Easter season, may we be reminded of the ultimate gift we received and the blessings we have because of that gift. Let’s continue to be mindful of both parables and strive to be more welcoming, merciful. loving and compassionate. As the Dali Lama said, “ Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries; without them humanity cannot survive.”
With gratitude,
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