Over half a million people go homeless on a single night in America. In Aiken and elsewhere, the numbers include mothers and children, husbands and wives, single men and women, college students, and possibly your co-workers. The causes are many: low-paying jobs, lay-offs, serious illness or accident, poverty, loss of a loved one, and more. The effects are considerable.
The losses are numerous as well: no place to sleep, store food, cook, and eat; the lack of shelter, bathroom, and shower facilities; the need to give up pets, mementos, and other belongings. Homeless people experience daily the mental and emotional stress that leads to uncertainty, vulnerability, and isolation. Our homeless neighbors are more likely to die prematurely as a result of injury, unintentional overdose, and extreme weather. In a community that cares so deeply for abused horses and pets, should we not have more concern for our homeless vets, men, women, children, and families?
The Salvation Army, located at 322 Gayle Avenue NW in Aiken, works tirelessly to end homelessness and human trafficking in our area and across the state of South Carolina. An intentional movement as part of the Universal Christian Church, its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The greatest need right now is the funds to purchase a second shelter facility for our area to feed and house the beautiful people in Aiken who need support in the midst of their isolation.
On February 21, 2020 at 7 pm, you will have the opportunity to join with many other Aiken residents and businesses to support the work of The Salvation Army and to extend a loving heart and hand to our homeless neighbors and co-workers. The Beautiful People Gala & Benefit will be held at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street SW, in downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Included in this special event are R.J. Bednez, author of The Invisible Veteran, musician Beth Spangler from Season 7 of The Voice, a fashion show with celebrity models and celebrity dogs modeling fashions from downtown Aiken merchants, and both silent auction and live auctions. R. J. Bednez’s book is based on the stories of 60 homeless vets in the Pennsylvania area. Featured entertainer Beth Spangler is an Aiken native who made her TV debut on NBC’s The Voice.
One of the hosts of the gala, Martha Wise, owner/artistic designer of White Rose Eclectics, shared the multiple purposes of the February 21 gala.
: : To raise funds for the purchase of a second Salvation Army shelter in Aiken. The present shelter houses only 50 people, and there is a great need in our community for more shelter and support.
: : To raise awareness and compassion for our homeless neighbors in Aiken.
: : To spotlight the growing need to meet our homeless neighbors where they are and end their isolation.
Co-hosts for The Beautiful People Gala & Benefit are Martha Wise of White Rose Eclectics and Katherine Slayton of Katherine’s by Design. Sponsors include The Maxwell Law Firm and Security Federal Bank.
Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $90 each or $150 per couple. Purchase tickets online at Give.SalvationArmyCarolinas.org/BeautifulPeople or by cash or check at White Rose Eclectics, 142 Laurens Street SW in Aiken. Donations are also welcome.
For more information about homelessness, visit InvisiblePeople.org.
There are three other ways to support this Gala and the Salvation Army.
Consider becoming a Sponsor or purchase an ad for the event. Or pledge to donate a percentage of store sales on February 13
to the Salvation Army.
