2023 Annual Valentine Gala

Our 24th Annual Valentine Gala was held Tuesday, February 14. We celebrated The Bowery Mission’s legacy of supporting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and marginalization on their journey to flourishing vocationally, spiritually and relationally. The evening was also a time to honor the Veth and Elmore families, who have given faithfully to The Bowery Mission for decades and built legacies that will make flourishing possible for generations to come.

Thanks to your generosity, more than $1.7 million was raised, which will directly support The Bowery Mission’s services. Nearly 400 attendees enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing and connecting with friends new and old at The Plaza. We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us to recognize The Bowery Mission’s critical work to see more of our neighbors in need experience flourishing.

"Together, we can create a sense of home and a family for people with nowhere else to turn. Together, we can walk with people as they journey out of despair and into a renewed sense of purpose."

— James Winans, CEO

During the event, guests heard from Natalia, a graduate of The Bowery Mission’s Residential Program for Women. Once struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, she found her way to our Women’s Center, where she became surrounded by community and began putting her life back together. She was able to develop healthy routines and receive counseling and is now employed and living independently — experiencing true flourishing.

"God brought me to The Bowery Mission. I think the Women’s Residential Program was made for me, because it’s what I needed in my life."

–Natalia, Program Graduate

HONORING

DG & Gini Elmore
and Family

• Passionate about caring for New Yorkers in need, DG and Gini Elmore have supported The Bowery Mission for more than a decade with Gini serving on the board for almost 9 years. The Elmores have consistently involved their six children in giving decisions, teaching them from a young age about the power of generosity. Read More

  Today, the second generation of Elmores continue to demonstrate leadership in philanthropy, with one son serving on The Bowery Mission’s Associate Board for over two years on the fundraising and advocacy committee.

  “The Bowery Mission is one of the ministries we are focused on as a family. We see the transformational work as vital to the focus of our family foundation.” — DG Elmore

Charles & Marianne Veth
and Family

• Chuck and Marianne Veth have supported The Bowery Mission for more than 30 years. Shortly after founding his own IT company, Chuck was instrumental in equipping The Bowery Mission with its first computer network. He has now served on the board for 18 years. Read More

  The Veth children were encouraged to practice generosity from a young age, and their first gifts to the Mission were bags of quarters saved, and money earned from shoveling snow for neighbors. Today, the second generation of Veths remain active supporters of The Bowery Mission through volunteering and events.

  “We're just a small part of what God has been doing at The Bowery Mission for such a long time. I feel so humbled that God ever gave us the opportunity to be involved. I think it's one of the greatest privileges of our lives.” — Marianne Veth

Since the 1870s, The Bowery Mission has been a place of welcome, care, and healing for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger. Our Annual Valentine Gala raises funds for our emergency meal and shelter services as well as our residential programs, which provide individualized, holistic care for men and women taking the next step on their journey to independent living. The Bowery Mission also offers year-round enrichment opportunities for youth in two under-resourced New York City neighborhoods through our Mont Lawn City Camp program, which culminates in an unforgettable summer experience at Mont Lawn Camp in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region.