Community Partnerships

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Local Friends of St. Mary's

St. Mary’s has strong partnerships within the community of organizations who want to support the Home. From the region’s Qualified Gas Contractors to the Cape Henry Women’s Club, a diverse group of people give their time, talent and money to make a difference in the lives of the children who live here. For information on how your organization or civic group can become a part of the St. Mary’s team, please contact Mary Helen Hilton at 757-622-2208, or 1-800-237-6555; or email mhilton@shmdc.org.

Zero’s – Creating Goodwill One Sandwich at a Time!

Marty Palacios and David Pender at the Zero’s on Virginia Beach Blvd.

 

On January 19th, 2006, 36 Tidewater Zero’s locations began a fundraiser campaign for St. Mary’s. David Pender, owner of two local Zero’s stores—on 6161Virginia Beach Blvd. and in Arrowhead Shopping Center in Virginia Beach—came up with the idea when St. Mary’s teacher Jonna Bobzien won a contest Zero’s held last fall. When David drew Jonna’s name, he was surprised to find out that not only was St. Mary’s out his back door, but that it was a home for severely disabled children. Since then, their enthusiasm and excitement to partner with St. Mary’s has been electrifying.

“We are a local company and we cherish every opportunity to give back to the local community. It is important to create goodwill within the local community and bring awareness where we can to deserving organizations.” --Marty Palacios

Bank of America Recognizes Two St. Mary’s Volunteers as Local Heroes

Victor Branch, Bank of America Market Development Manager, Carter McCabe, Annie Wilkins and Lin Earley, former Hampton Roads Market President, Bank of America

 

Imagine two teenagers asking friends and family to donate money to a charitable cause for their birthdays. Carter McCabe and Annie Wilkins, students of Norfolk Academy who volunteer at St. Mary’s, did just that and raised more than $1,000 in support of the children. Bank of America recognized their dedication and commitment to the community by naming them as two of the five Local Heroes in Hampton Roads in 2005. As a result of winning this prestigious award, they were also able to direct a $5,000 contribution from Bank of America to the Home. Congratulations to these two young women who are making a difference in the lives of children in Hampton Roads, especially those who cannot speak for themselves.

Qualified Gas Contractors Association

This dedicated group of over 100 members in Hampton Roads has supported St. Mary’s for over four years by donating the proceeds from the annual golf tournament to the Home. In 2006 they raised over $8,000 in doing their part to make the lives of the children better.

“We’re all local people, we live here, so we’re just giving back to the community that we’re part of.” --David Gregory, Board Chairman

Friends of Alhambra

The Friends of Alhambra Padul Caravan #69 have sponsored a number of successful golf tournaments for St. Mary’s.

 

Over the past several years, the Friends of Alhambra, Padul Caravan #69 have sponsored a number of successful golf tournaments for St. Mary’s. Proceeds from their events helped make possible the new St. Mary’s. Alhambra is a fraternal order of Catholic men dedicated to assisting persons developmentally disabled by mental retardation. Please see Events for details of their upcoming golf tournament.

Cape Henry Woman’s Club

The Cape Henry Women’s Club is sponsored a Mardi Gras-themed card party, luncheon and silent auction to benefit St. Mary’s on Thursday, February 23, at the Church of the Holy Family. Their support helped fund sensory products for the children. According to St. Mary’s Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals, “There are a number of amazing products specifically designed to help stimulate the senses of children with the most significant disabilities.” Thanks to members of the Cape Henry Women’s Club, St. Mary’s children will have more opportunities for fun and meaningful experiences.