July 28, 2010

Luau to benefit pro-life ministry Gabriel Project

By John Gleason

It’ll be a time of Hawaiian shirts and fun in the sun as the Archdiocese of Denver’s Respect Life Office sponsors the second annual fundraiser for the Gabriel House at St. James Church in Denver.

Started in 2001, the Gabriel Project is a ministry to help pregnant mothers and their unborn babies. Volunteers provide spiritual, emotional and material support. When Gabriel House opened on the grounds of St. James Church in 2009, it provided a gathering place for education, training and support for the women being served by the Gabriel Project and for volunteers. Mimi Eckstein, director of the Respect Life Office, said opening the house was a turning point for the program as far as the number of women they could assist.

“When Project Gabriel worked as a parish based ministry, we’d see approximately 80 moms in a year,” she said.  “Since Gabriel House opened in October 2009 we’ve seen about 1,000 moms.  We knew the need was great, but honestly, we really didn’t know it was going to take off like that.  But in order to sustain this ministry, we rely on the generosity of individual donations.  That’s what brings us to the luau.  Yes, this is fun event, but a very important one.”

The theme of the event is Kau Wela Ho’olaule’a, (Summer Celebration Luau), and all are invited to join in for the silent auction, games for the children, raffle prizes and delicious food and drink.

Eckstein said last year’s event attracted more than 250 people. The turnout this year is expected to be just as good, especially given the festive theme.

“Making the event into a luau seemed like a good idea,” she said.  “We thought it would be great if we could do something for families and children, because that’s a big part of what the Gabriel Project is all about.”

Eckstein said there will be Hawaiian dancers and music and dance lessons for the kids—adults can take a lesson, too.

“But only,” she added with a laugh, “if their back muscles are up to it.”

In addition to the food and entertainment, there will be an array of items on the auction table: a copy of “Render Unto Caesar,” Archbishop Charles Chaput’s 2008 book; a special dinner with Auxiliary Bishop James Conley; and also some weekend getaway packages.

The benefit luau will be held 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 7 at Gabriel House, 1341 Oneida St., Denver. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, children under 7 are admitted free.  Information is available by calling the Respect Life Office at 303-715-3205 or e-mailing respectlife.office@archden.org

SUMMER CELEBRATION LUAU
What: a benefit for Gabriel House
When: 5 p.m. Aug. 7
Where: Gabriel House, 1341 Oneida St., Denver
Cost: $20 per adult; $10 per child 7 and older, under 7 free
Information: 303-715-3205 or e-mail respectlife.office@archden.org

Click here for a complete list of local events related to Respect Life efforts.