Spring Benefit and Silent Auction
by Sarah Thurmond, volunteer since 2001

A More Perfect Union held its second annual Spring Benefit and Silent Auction on May 22, 2007 at Franks' Restaurant in New York City. And, for the first time, we honored a graduate of The Circle of Women program. Arzora Davis, who participated in the series while in residence at Veritas Therapeutic Community in 2002, received the award by meeting the following criteria: living successfully in her community; realizing her dreams and goals; and exhibiting the qualities of our program; Commitment, Responsibility, Respect, Support and Fun. Now working as a counselor at the facility, Arzora hopes to one day attain a Masters in social work. "I am one of the women who has benefitted greatly from my participation in A More Perfect Union," she said upon receiving the honor. "I want to thank A More Perfect Union for their contribution to my development into the woman you see standing before you today."


[l-r: Kayce Freed Jennings, Marcia Gershon, Arzora Davis]

On hand to present Arzora her award was documentary filmmaker Kayce Freed Jennings. "I think I know enough to understand - maybe just a little - what commitment and focus and drive it takes to come out the other side. And I'm in awe of those who have the strength to do it," she said in her speech. "We should wish [Arzora] the very best of luck for her future because she's earned it." Ms. Jennings and her late husband, newsman Peter Jennings, have been ardent supporters of the Veritas Therapeutic Community for many years.

With 150 guests in attendance, we raised nearly $20,000, which will go toward building our presence in the not-for-profit and volunteer communities, expanding our work into more facilities in the metropolitan area, and supporting our operational costs as we grow. We want to thank all who donated their time and financial support to our organization. With your help, we can continue our work and celebrate more women who have attained their dreams.