Mercy Haven’s 24th Annual Cocktail Party Celebrates “Coming Home”
 
(Bay Shore, N.Y.) – On November 1st, 2009, Mercy Haven, Inc. of Islip Terrace hosted their 24th Annual Fall Cocktail Party. This event raises funds for the agency and the many services they provide to the vulnerable populations of the Long Island community. All proceeds from Fall Cocktail Party will go into maintaining the agency’s quality, much-needed programs that serve the homeless, the poor, the mentally ill, those afflicted with traumatic brain injury, the elderly, veterans, and limited-income families of Long Island.

Over 200 tickets were sold for Mercy Haven’s 24th Annual Fall Cocktail Party on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at the Southward Ho Country Club of Bay Shore to share in the warm atmosphere of appreciating and understanding the milestones and accomplishments of the agency. Among the celebration of achievements during the evening was the recognition of the 20th anniversary of Mercy Haven’s Community Residences. To commemorate this moment, the speakers for the evening included Diane Cortes, a House Administrator of one of the Community Residences at Mercy Haven, and Eleanor B., one of the agency’s participants.
 
Eleanor shared her story with the audience, who warmly welcomed her.
 
“Mercy Haven is like a home,” she says. “My goal [though] is to return home and live a good, practical life with good coping mechanisms. Thank God we always have the power to change things and rearrange our lives. I carry the light that Mercy Haven has provided me with.”
 
The evening was also filled with magnificent prizes donated from local vendors and supporters including the Long Island Maritime Museum, the Blue Point Brewery, Gemaginations, WinterHarbor Studio, Drew Patrick Spa, and the Lake House as well as so many others. Through the generosity of the sponsors, including Event Sponsors Empire National Bank and Emmett & Raquel O’Hara, and guests of the affair, as well as the event committee, chaired by Justine Kaplar, Mercy Haven’s 24th Annual Fall Cocktail Party was an absolute success.
 
Next year Mercy Haven will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary of being in operation. A gala event fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 16th at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale. Journal ads and sponsorships are now available. Mark your calendars – this event should not be missed!
 
Established in 1985, Mercy Haven, Inc. is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation. Mercy Haven’s mission is to engage and support Long Island’s most at-risk residents. Through advocacy, housing, supportive services, education and outreach we offer the community a place to experience and practice compassion.