According to Family Gateway CEO/President Ellen Magnis,
Due to the COVID-19 crisis and for the health and safety of our community, we decided to cancel our annual Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon which was expected to have more than 800 attendees. The event was scheduled for September 24 at the Omni Dallas Hotel and was to feature Chris Gardner, inspiration for the acclaimed movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Unless it is impossible during this challenging time, we have asked our sponsors and donors to keep their financial commitment to the event so that we may cover loss of overall revenue. The event funds were unrestricted, to be used wherever needed most. And now we need those funds more than ever.
During this global pandemic, Family Gateway’s work is more critical than ever as we operate the only emergency shelter in Dallas still accepting new families (except for domestic violence shelters). We had to establish and staff a second shelter location at a hotel to manage disease spread and system capacity restraints. Additionally, we continue to remain unique in our community because we serve families of all types and sizes that no other shelters will accept.
We know that this COVID-19 crisis will spark additional need for our services as soon as eviction bans are lifted, as so many families are being destabilized. If you can provide additional support for our agency this year, know that this will enable us to continue the expansion of our services at a time when they are needed more than ever. Pandemic or not, we will continue to serve. Please help us prepare for these increased needs and make up for funds lost with the cancellation of our luncheon by donating online at https://www.familygateway.org/donate.
* Graphic provided by Family Gateway