Worcester Abby’s House 'Spring-Tacular' Drive Seeks To Raise $155K

WORCESTER, MA — Abby’s House will mount a spring fundraiser with a $155,000 goal to support a range of programs including shelters space and supportive housing. The nearly 50-year-old nonprofit's 10th annual "Spring-Tacular" fundraiser will run from May 11 to 18 with an auction and a culminating event at the Hanover Theatre.

Here's more from an Abby's House news release:

For 47 years, Abby’s House has stood in the Crown Hill neighborhood of downtown Worcester, opening its doors to women, with or without children, facing homelessness, poverty, abuse, and trauma. Providing both safe shelter and supportive housing, Abby’s House staff and volunteers support women on their personalized path towards a brighter tomorrow, whether that journey involves learning new career skills, finding affordable housing, navigating healthcare systems, staying in recovery, or another unique goal. During the 10th Annual Spring-Tacular: Celebrating the Legacy presented by Counseling & Assessment Clinic of Worcester, LLC and Fairway Independent Mortgage, the entire Abby’s House community will come together to raise $155,000 in critical funds to support women and children across Worcester County and beyond.

“This year, the entire Abby’s House community comes together to support and celebrate the many women who have contributed to this organization,” says Stephanie Page, Abby’s House Executive Director. “Only through the dedication and compassion of the entire community, can the beautiful mission and legacy of Abby’s House continue.”

The program will also celebrate Page’s legacy as she steps down at the end of June 2023, making space for the next emerging woman leader. Founder Annette Rafferty will also be in attendance to gift the award named after her to longtime volunteer and donor, Ann Stamm of Worcester. Ann began supporting Abby’s House in 1978 as one of the first overnight shelter volunteers, welcoming and listening to women who relied on the safety, healing, and compassion found at Abby’s House. Co-Presenting Sponsors Jennifer Hylton, Psy.D., Executive Director of Counseling & Assessment Clinic of Worcester, LLC, and Bill Murphy, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Auburn Branch Manager will share words about their partnership with Abby’s House as well.

The fundraising event will feature nine local restaurants who donate their time and delightful food tastings to support the event, and this year features 110 Grill, Bean Counter Bakery Café, Bri’s Sweet Treats, Burtons Grill & Bar, Chashu Ramen & Izakaya, Peppers Artful Events, Russo Italian Restaurant, and Unique Cafe. A special tasting will be provided by Abby’s House Food and Nutrition Manager Maura Stevens, to showcase the food she and her kitchen staff prepares each week for the residents and guests of Abby’s House, made with a generous donation from Farmer Matt.

Abby’s House has 79 units of supportive housing, and a nine-bed overnight shelter, which will begin renovations this summer to double the number of beds. This event is the largest fundraising event for the organization, and the 10th annual Spring-Tacular Celebrating the Legacy will take place from May 11 to 18. Individuals can help Abby’s House reach its fundraising goal by making a gift during the seven-day giving campaign, bidding in the online auction, or attending the in-person food and beverage tasting event on the evening of May 18 at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

For more information on this year’s Spring-Tacular celebration and online auction, visit www.abbyshouse.org/spring-tacular.