Several hundred supporters attended The Ark Gala 2014 at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown on Thursday, Sept. 18. The fundraising event marked The Ark's fifteenth anniversary of caring for abused, abandoned or neglected children.
In addition to celebrating the anniversary, the event also honored Bishop Emeritus Rene Henry Gracida, DD on his 55th anniversary as a priest and for his contributions to and support of The Ark throughout the years since its inception.
The Ark is an emergency shelter for youth run by the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Presently there are 30 babies and toddlers in residency at The Ark and more than 30 employees are directly or indirectly dedicated to the care and development of all the children.
Featured speakers shared how their services impact residents of The Ark. Thelma Lopez-Lira, MD, PA, is The Ark's only psychiatrist. Traci L. Jordan evaluates the children and makes recommendations based on their needs. Steve Oshman, MD, is the primary physician for The Ark children. Ada Booth, MD, FAAP, is the specialist who determines children's needs based on abuse. Clara Trainer, program director of Child Protective Services for Region 11 and the licensed master social worker, interacts with the caseworkers that take children to The Ark.
KIII TV-3 News Anchor Joe Gazin was master of ceremonies and Bishop Michael Mulvey gave the invocation. Adrianna Gonzalez Trujillo, from the office of Texas State Representative J.M. Lozano, presented a Texas flag to Delma Trejo, executive director of The Ark and Sister Milagros Tormo, MJMJ, president of the board of directors.
KLUX general manager Marty Wind served as auctioneer for auction items, which included a hand-embroidered tablecloth sized for eight with napkins made by Sister Milagros.
Those who did not get a chance to attend the gala can mail a tax-deductible monetary gift to The Ark. The proceeds will be applied toward offering services that help make a difference in the children's lives at The Ark. It is the only licensed facility within an 80-mile radius that's contracted by the Texas State Department of Family and Protective Services to provide assessment services and emergency shelter for minors, for infants and children through age 17.
For more information call The Ark at (361) 241-6566. To learn more about The Ark go to www.ark4kids.com.