BALTIMORE, Nov. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday, November 16, 2017, GEDCO (Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation) is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Tribute. The theme of this year’s Thanksgiving Tribute is the “Value of Giving”. The cocktail reception will take place from 6PM to 9PM at B’More Kitchen located at 5609 Hess Avenue, Baltimore, MD. This event is an annual fundraiser for GEDCO, which has been assisting the underserved community of Baltimore for twenty-six years. All are welcome to attend!
“After celebrating our 25th Anniversary last year, GEDCO is now looking towards the future as we work with our supporters and partners to build a better Baltimore, “says Nichole Battle, CEO of GEDCO. Last year, in collaboration with its various networks, GEDCO responded to over 7,600 requests for emergency food and over 689 requests for emergency financial assistance. GEDCO enabled over 169 people to become employed, helped to fill multiple prescriptions for individuals and families, and provided safe housing with supportive services for more than 530 people, including formerly homeless men, women and families, low-income seniors, older adults with disabilities, and individuals with chronic mental illness. In addition, GEDCO owns two Senior Centers that provide services for over 1,000 Seniors. GEDCO is able to provide the support to the various underserved communities in Baltimore due to the support of donors and volunteers.
One of the highlights of the event will be honoring the individuals and organizations who have contributed their time volunteering, provided financial assistance, or donated various items to help support GEDCO’s programs and services. GEDCO will be presenting the Spirit of Giving Award to five individuals and two organizations. The cost of the event is $125 per person and includes networking, food, and a live jazz band. There will also be a raffle. The proceeds from the event will go to support GEDCO’s many programs. Sponsors of the event include PNC Bank, Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Harkins Builders, the Mangione Family Foundation, University of Maryland-St. Joseph’s Medical Center, STV, Gallagher Evelius & Jones, Marks Thomas, Architects, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP, the Y of Central Maryland, M & T Bank, AAA MidAtlantic, Gilchrist Hospice Care, Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, Habitat America, Harkins Builders, Lois Rosenfeld Caring Fund, and Johns Hopkins Priority Partners. There are also numerous other companies, local vendors, community organizations and individuals who have contributed small financial and in-kind donations.
GEDCO is a multi-service, community-based nonprofit organization in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally created in 1991 after a decade of collaborative efforts by a group of seven pastors in north Baltimore whose congregations were concerned about the effects of poverty on their neighbors, GEDCO today is one of Baltimore’s most innovative and dependable nonprofit organizations meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals and families. Our work is guided by a partnership of 56 member organizations including churches, synagogues, neighborhood associations, schools, and civic associations. In addition, GEDCO is supported by a twenty-four-member board representing corporations, small businesses and other organizations in the Baltimore area.
To learn more about GEDCO, the “Value of Giving” cocktail reception, or to obtain tickets to the reception and/ or make a donation, log onto www.gedco.org/2017tribute or www.GEDCO.org. You can also contact Melodie Cunningham at 410-433-2442 Ext. 15 or mcunningham@gedco.org.