Raising funds — and the roof — for Homeboy Industries
Community Contributor | 8-2-2010 | Comments |
| Print this Page
By Maddie Gavel-Briggs
You’d have to live under a rock not to know about Homeboy Industries, L.A.’s iconic gang intervention agency. Started in 1986 by Father Greg Boyle — or “G” as he is known to his following of former homies — Homeboy Industries has been providing gang members with vital real-world training, services and support for 24 years. The organization offers everything from tattoo removal and anger management classes to counseling and parenting courses.But Homeboy is in trouble — the kind that starts with a dollar sign and ends in six zeros.
On Sunday afternoon at the Colburn School of Music’s Zipper Hall, friends old and new gathered to show support by opening their hearts, minds and pocketbooks.
"The outpouring of support has been overwhelming," remarked Father Greg (pictured above). "We’re grateful to Maria Hall and all the folks who put this together."
Hall, as well as her sister Renee Lightford and daughter Jaclyn Bermudez — a soprano member of the Opera Studio with Deutsche Oper am Ehein in Düsseldorf, Germany — were moved when they heard Father Greg speak earlier in the year, shortly after news of Homeboy’s troubles broke."It pierced my heart," said Hall. "Everyone I spoke to has such overwhelming love for [Father Greg] and what he does."
Bermudez performed a small collection of classics, including a bright and lively Quando Men Vo from La Boheme, Gershwin’s simmering Summertime and a flirty Meine Lippen, Sie Küssen So Heiss. She expressed emotion in her appreciation of Father Greg and his boundless compassion.
"Everyone deserves a second chance," she reflected. "Even if you’ve lived a charmed life, we all need to have that."
After Bermudez’s performance, Father Greg spoke about what he perceives as Homeboy Industries’ primary mission: the creation of kinship.
"It’s only us," he said. "It’s only ever been us. There is no them. All of us are called to be enlightened witnesses through our focus, love and attention to return people to the truth of who they are."Several stories, laughs and a few tears later, the crowd moved out to the courtyard to enjoy music from Armando Figueroa of Ostia Music, refreshments and a silent auction.
Father Greg signed copies of his book, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion and as the evening ended, Homeboy Industries had raised hopes and some much-needed funds.
For more information, visit http://www.homeboy-industries.org/To donate to Homeboy Industries, click here.
Tags: father greg boyle fundraising gangs gangs homeboy industries non profit
