Making a difference: MAE Organization hosts 2nd Black Tie Gala

Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 10/1/15

By MERI R. KENNEDY

In the words of Mother Teresa, “You don’t need to go to a remote place to make a difference. Start with your own home and community.”

That is just what the MAE …

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Making a difference: MAE Organization hosts 2nd Black Tie Gala

Posted

By MERI R. KENNEDY

In the words of Mother Teresa, “You don’t need to go to a remote place to make a difference. Start with your own home and community.”

That is just what the MAE Organization for the Homeless, founded by Martinha Javid, does every day. According to a report by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless in 2012, there were 4,868 homeless individuals in the Ocean State, and that figure has increased over the years.

On Sept. 26 the MAE Organization held a Black Tie Gala to raise funds for those in need as well as to raise awareness. MAE, founded in 2007, works to provide a range of services to the state’s homeless population, including wellness programs, case management, job and skills training arrangements, drug and alcohol treatments, assistance with transitioning into housing and the delivery of hot meals, toiletries, tents and clothing.

On hand for the gala was Pat Paolino Cruz as the emcee, with cocktail hour music provided by Bill Moretti and Sophia Javid. The keynote speaker was Michael Cooley, author of “Rock Bottom,” which tells of his plight from homelessness into success. Additionally, Festival Ballet Providence provided a special dance dedicated to MAE during the program, which was held at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.

Several Angel Awards were handed out, including one to Edward Brady of Cranston, who has helped facilitate delivery of hot meals being made at Vanity, which he co-owns, to homeless shelters and to the homeless in downtown Providence. Other recipients were Tuni Renauld, Saira Hussain, LisaMarie Dwyer, Richard Lariviere and Donnie Bennett.

A crowd of approximately 200 was eager to participate in raffles and a silent auction offering up trips, services, gift baskets and more. WJAR reporter Barbara Morse-Silva was on hand for the live auction toward the end of the evening.

For more information on the MAE Organization, call 206-1451 or visit www.mae.

findingspirituality.com.

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