14th Annual Benefit Breakfast a Huge Success!

All photos courtesy of Whitman Photographic

IGNITING POTENTIAL, TRANSFORMING LIVES

On Tuesday, October 11th, over 500 guests gathered at the 14th Annual Benefit Breakfast at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel. Emceed by KING 5 Television’s Meeghan Black, supporters learned how Jubilee Women’s Center ignites our residents’ potential and transforms their lives.

The event began with an invocation by one of the founders, Sister Margaret O’Neill, CSJP. She blessed the meal and supporters of Jubilee. A surprise guest, Michael, joined this year’s event. At the age of 5, he lived with his mom and sisters at Jubilee when it first opened its doors to homeless women.

Next, guests watched a video featuring two women changing their lives and working toward careers to give back to their community. Resident, Alaina, said, “It wouldn’t be possible for me to believe in myself and to dream about a future without living at Jubilee first.” Alumna, Marie, explained, “[Jubilee] saw my potential, even when I didn’t. It changed my life.”

Following the video, Executive Director Cheryl Sesnon shared her personal history that led her to become involved with Jubilee. She then read alumnae, Roberta’s, story of how her life changed at Jubilee: “I gained skills I never had, shored up areas in my life that were weak and laid a foundation of confidence I’d never known.”

Next, Diane, an alumna, spoke of how meeting the wrong man turned her world upside down and started her on a path of being victim to abusive relationships. She fell into a spiral of shame and sorrow, drinking to cope. Jubilee was a safe haven to rebuild her life and confidence, learn to create healthy relationships and build a community of support. Diane expressed, “Jubilee takes broken women and makes them whole again, setting them up with the tools they need to become a success.”

Lastly, guests heard from Lori, a current resident, who became homeless when she got clean and sober, which ended her 30-year dysfunctional marriage. After losing everything she had worked to build, she lived out of her suitcase until she found Jubilee. At Jubilee, she gained the stability, skills and resources she needed to rebuild her life. The women received a standing ovation for their courage and honesty.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests, Jubilee raised over $251,850 in support of our mission – with donors taking advantage of the $80,000 matching pool for gifts of $250 and above! Thank you to all who attended and supported this event. Because of you, Jubilee is able to ignite potential and transform lives.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED WITH OUR 14TH ANNUAL BENEFIT BREAKFAST