More than 400 of Union Station Foundation’s most generous donors and committed volunteers convened at the Pasadena Playhouse on August 12th to be honored and thanked for their support of the organization. Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest and most comprehensive private agency serving the poor and homeless and relies heavily on the financial support of individuals to support their annual budget of $3.6 million.
The picturesque courtyard of the Playhouse was packed for the cocktail reception that preceded the performance and the mood was cheerful as old friends and new gathered to share stories and reminisce. Executive Director Marvin Gross greeted the audience. “For 32 years Union Station has been providing a lifeline of hope to those who need a helping hand. We couldn’t do it without you. On behalf of the thousands of men, women and children whose lives have been saved, we thank you. They thank you.”
Supporters were invited to the Pasadena Playhouse for the final dress rehearsal of the theatre’s newest production, Vincent in Brixton. The play explores the lesser-known side of legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh, drawing from surviving correspondence and touching on his childhood, first love and blossoming genius. Union Station’s guests were the first audience outside the press to see the production, which opened to the public the following night.
“I have lived in many cities and know fundraising well,” continued Gross. “I am amazed and touched by the generosity of this community. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help those less fortunate maintain the most basic of human needs: food, shelter and human compassion. They also help make sure that those who are committed to changing their lives for the better will never again be forced to sleep on the streets. Through your financial support, you are all a critical component of this process.”
Union Station serves more than 130,000 meals and provides 31,000 nights of shelter every year, in addition to offering supportive services to help their clients successfully transition from homelessness to permanent stability. For information about programs and services, to become a volunteer or to make a financial contribution, please visit Union Station’s website at www.unionstationhs.org or call 626.240.4550.