A Saturday To Remember
Submitted by Carol LeBeau, 10News Anchor.
One of the “perks” of being a 10News anchor is having the opportunity to be part of the many non-profit organizations that really define who we are as a community. Last weekend I had one of those opportunities as emcee of The “Haute with Heart” event in San Diego.
More than 750 men and women descended on the Sheraton Harbor Island for a delicious luncheon, lively auction (featuring the incomparable Steve Hammon) and a spectacular fashion show, compliments of Leonard Simpson and “Fashion Forward.” But Saturday’s “Haute with Heart” annual fundraising luncheon was more than a reason to get dressed up and enjoy lunch and the latest fall fashions. It was one of the most incredible days of inspiration I’ve ever experienced.
“Haute with Heart” raises funds every year for one of San Diego County’s treasures… St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. For more than 42 years, the Center in El Cajon has helped people with developmental disabilities, their families and our community. We all need a place to belong… where our talents and skills are nurtured and encouraged… where we can make friends… do good work… and find that our lives have meaning and purpose. For more than 280 developmentally disabled adults, that place is St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
Saturday, we got to meet many of the students at St. Madeleine Sophie’s. Many took to the runway modeling the latest in Tommy Bahama Hawaiian fashion. In honor of the summer Olympics, members of the “Triton” Swim Team at St. Madeleine’s were introduced with their coaches to the dramatic beat of the Olympic theme. Performers from St. Madeleine’s Arts Program took the stage and delighted us with an amazing rendition of the Beatles’ “Imagine.” In keeping with the “imaginings” theme, the room went silent as a video played showing a montage of triumphant moments experienced by several men and women with developmental disabilities. The music backdrop was Bart Millard’s popular inspirational Christian anthem, “I Can Only Imagine.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
And as this incredible event washed over me, I felt God must be at work blessing the efforts of those who support St. Madeleine’s Sophie. The Center has been quietly serving the developmentally disabled in our community for decades, largely under the radar, working quietly without much attention.
Well, last spring St. Madeleine’s Sophie won some much deserved acclaim. From a field of 80 local non-profit agencies, The Center was named the winner of “Oprah’s Big Give-San Diego” by10News and ABC. But the cash award was just the beginning. As a result of Oprah’s gift and television profile, thousands of San Diegans have learned about the important work going on at St. Madeleine’s. And last Saturday, despite a down economy, more than 750 people gathered to raise even more funds for the Center… nearly 400 more than last year!
Some might call that a miracle. And maybe it was. But I believe God’s work is being done at SMSC’s 5-acre campus in the foothills of El Cajon and perhaps He thought a blessing was in order!
If you’d like to know more or become part of the miracles happening every day at St. Madeleine Sophie’s, stop by or call for a tour anytime at 619-442-5129 or go to their web site.
