25 years serving children in need

The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first child admitted to the facility at its annual fundraiser on Thursday, September 18, at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Boulevard in Robstown.

The Ark Gala begins at 6 pm with a silent auction of nearly 200 items, background music by Manuela Shull’s piano students, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.   ​

The event’s program, which starts at 7 p.m., includes Co-Masters of Ceremonies Rudy Treviño and Barbi Leo (KIII-TV “Domingo Live!” program co-hosts), Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo’s proclamation presentation, Diocesan Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey’s invocation, dinner/dessert, Bob Montez’s live auction/ liquor basket raffle, Executive Director/Administrator Delma Trejo’s “25 Years of Residents,” entertainment and Board Chairman Rene Esquivel’s closing remarks.

Also, part of the program will be Guest Speaker Shaleasha S. McNeal, who will share her experiences as a shelter resident during 2004-2005.
Shaleasha McNealTable sponsorship tables are available at the following levels: The Ark ($15,000), Stork ($10,000), Dove ($5,000), Giraffe ($2,500) and Leopard ($1,000). All of them seat 10 and offer signage, recognition at the gala and newsletter/website thanks. Sponsorship tables can be purchased in memory or in honor of someone. (Individual seats cost $60.)

Sponsor commitment or payment by July 25 will secure recognition in the printed program at the event. Tax-deductible gifts for the auctions are requested by July 25. Auction donors receive signage at the auction.

The Ark is the only facility within an 80-mile radius licensed and contracted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide assessment services and emergency shelter for 61 children and youth, ages 0 through 17, who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian.

“The gala is very important,” said Sister Milagros Tormo, M.J.M.J., board president. “It’s an opportunity for the community to know more about The Ark and to know each other. The gala helps us to benefit the children directly. All the money collected after expenses is used for the children.”

The Ark has served more than 4,575 minors since admitting its first resident on April 7, 2000. Its website — www.ark4kids.com — has more details about the shelter.

Those who can’t attend the event but would like to make a tax-deductible donation are invited to do so. All contributions will be acknowledged and can be mailed to The Ark at 12960 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78410.

For more gala information or reservations, call Sister Milagros Tormo, M.J.M.J., board president, or Delma Trejo, executive director/administrator, at (361) 241-6566.