Somerset – About 300 people attended the First Annual Harvest of Hope Father’s Day Brunch and Silent Auction on June 19 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. There was live music provided by The B Side and brunch was catered by Delta’s Restaurant in New Brunswick. Four foster and adoptive fathers were honored:
- Mr. Rodell Stevens was honored for answering the call and his service to children. Mr. Stevens and his wife, Alice, were the first Harvest of Hope home to accept the placement of a child entering foster care.
- Mr. Curtis Gladden and his wife, Marilyn, opened their home to children more than 12 years ago and has been responsive to the needs of children since then.
- Mr. Vincent McKenzie and his wife, Paule Gallette, were first licensed as foster parents almost 5 years ago. Immediately after being licensed the couple accepted the placement of 2 children.
- Mr. Earl Roach and his wife, Joyce, made the commitment as resource parents over 12 years ago. They have continued to foster, being available to accept children in need of emergency short term placement. Mr. Roach has also served President of the board of Harvest of Hope and is an active member.
There was also a silent auction during the brunch. The church and surrounding community donated items from spa packages to art and NBA tickets. More than $3,000 was raised from the auction.
Here are a few pictures from the event:
Atia hugs her adoptive father, Curtis Gladden
The Gladden family poses for a picture with Board President Earl Roach (back left) and Executive Director Maureen Archibald (back right) after Curtis Gladden receives an award for supporting Harvest of Hope throughout the years.
Board President Earl Roach shakes the hand of the first Harvest of Hope father and honoree, Rodell Stephens.
Deacon Richard Barber at the brunch.
The Whitfield family bids on an auction item.
The Whitfield children talk with Pastor DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
First Lady Donna Soaries enjoying a moment at the brunch.
Auction items
Carla Gathers and her girls, Gabrielle and Tiffany
A singer with The B Side, the group that provided live music.
Brunch MC
Awards for honorees
The crowd bidding on auction items.
DAD ice sculpture