When we decided to host Sunset Sip 2020 virtually, we did not know how successful the event would be, but not to our surprise so many of you joined us online and showed your support on the evening of August 28, 2020.
Nearly 95 people attended our first virtual Sunset Sip and helped us raise more than $90,000—helping us reach our fundraising goal! The generous support of sponsors and guest at this annual benefit ensures that we will continue to provide critical mental health services to our community’s disadvantaged children and families.
The theme of this year’s event was “Everyone Has a Journey.” Our CEO, Patricia Costales, LCSW, shared what the journey has been like for our agency to transition to telehealth therapy. She told of the hardships and challenges Guidance Center clients are facing in the middle of this pandemic as well as the ray of hope our therapists have been for these children and families.
“Imagine being a child who already struggled with anxiety or depression, feelings of worthlessness or thoughts of suicide who is now isolated away from support systems,” said Tricia. “Absolute credit goes to The Guidance Center therapists who recognized that mental health is an essential service.”
Please view Patricia’s special message in the video below.
The evening also included a special message from a Guidance Center client, Sammy, who is a strong, courageous 9th grader. Sammy bravely shared her story and how therapy has helped her overcome her trauma.
“Therapy has been a key factor in helping me deal with my trauma, anxiety and suicidal thoughts,” said Sammy. “I am no longer that little girl who lives in fear.”
Please listen to Sammy’s story in the video below.
Later in the program, guests were invited to participate in our live auction to compete over exciting items such as exotic getaways and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our tenth annual Sunset Sip may have been very different than years prior, but the love, care and compassion from our community never changed.
Many thanks to our Sunset Sip Event Committee; Committee Chairwoman, Betsy Snare; Guidance Center Board of Directors; Board Chairwoman, Ana Perez; and, of course, all of you. You are the true lights that have helped guide us through this new journey, together. We are forever grateful.
Please allow us to show our appreciation in the video below.
Make sure to view our Sunset Sip 2020 Digital Tribute Book for more event highlights, photos, sponsor messages and more!
THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US AT SUNSET SIP 2020!
CHEERS TO MANY MORE!