Sister Milagros Tormo, MJMJ, president of the Board of Directors of the ARK and Delma Trejo, executive director/administrator of the ARK enjoy the evening.

Local leaders acknowledged the vital work of the The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth during its 10th annual gala on September 24 at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center.

Over 400 people attended the dinner and fundraiser, which raised approximately $60,000.

"The ARK is a gift to this community." said Bishop Edmond Carmody, who gave the invocation. "We must all be part of this (good work). We must help all of our brothers and sisters. Lord, help us to continue to do good and help each other every day."

Guest speaker, Associate Judge Oscar G. Gabaldon, Jr., of the 65th Judicial District, Child Protection Court and Preservation Family Drug Court in El Paso, Texas, further illustrated Bishop Carmody's prayers on continuing the Ark's mission. "The ARK is truly a beacon of hope," proclaimed Gabaldon.

Many of the children removed from their parents are "needy for love, a soft touch, a soothing word, an encouraging word, or a kind word."

"So many of these children have only experienced feelings of worthlessness or rejection" from their parents or guardians, he added.

"When I visited the ARK, and I saw that much of what these children have lost has been recaptured at the ARK. I felt a sense of safety and love" for the children residing at the ARK said Gabaldon.

"We must remember that the most powerful force in children's lives is love. Children flourish with encouragement," he said.

Gabaldon reminded the audience that "children come in all shades of beauty. Every child is one of a kind, and all children are unique and beautiful. A child is like a diamond. A child is God's purest art."

The funds raised at the gala will be used for the children' continual basic needs explained executive director/administrator Delma Trejo. "We will use the monies to supply the children with such items as clothing and school supplies."

The ARK, a nondenominational facility located in Calallen, is a project of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The ARK's mission is to provide a caring intervention for abused and neglected children and youth by placing them in a secure environment.

The 37-bed facility, licensed by the state of Texas, is for children who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services (CPS) because their lives are considered to be in danger.

The ARK is an assessment center and emergency shelter for infants to 17 years providing them a safe and loving environment up to 90 days enabling CPS an opportunity to evaluate and assess the needs of the child.

A strong advocate for the ARK as well as a board member, Josephine Miller, expanded on Judge Gabaldon's speech of how important the ARK is to the south Texas region.

"The ARK is such a safe environment for the children. It is great to have a place where you can stabilize a child before finding the child a safe foster home," said Miller.

"The ARK is a place where a child can catch his breath. The ARK makes sure that the children have more than just the bare necessities of life. The ARK also makes sure these children have a chance to be normal."

San Patricio County Attorney, David Akens and his wife Susanne have been long time supporters of the ARK.

"The ARK is one of the most worthy charities in the area. The ARK is a wonderful area resource," said David Akens.

Miller added, "The ARK is a gift to the tax payers. The private sector and the generosity of the citizens of south Texas have given a gift to the community."

Concluding another successful benefit gala, Trejo said, "We are very appreciative of everyone who helped us. Their support allows us to make sure we can meet the needs of the children. We hope people will continue to support us."