We are changing lives. We are saving lives. On Saturday, February 8, 2020, Provident Behavioral Health will host its annual Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. We will welcome more than 400 guests and friends as we celebrate Provident’s 160^th year providing life changing and life-saving services in the St. Louis community. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with a fundraising goal of over $400,000. Gifts to this event provide critical funds for mental health and social services—from Afterschool programs to individual and group counseling to 24/7 life crisis intervention to advocacy.

The evening will begin with cocktails and auction followed by dinner, awards, fund-a-need and entertainment. We are delighted to announce Lawrence E. Thomas of Edward Jones as recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Provident Award.

Funds raised from this event will allow us to continue our mission of building brighter futures through exceptional behavioral health services and will support our most pressing needs:

• Last year Provident’s programs touched the lives of 80,642 clients ranging in age from 3-85+. Of these clients, 56% reported a household income of less than $30,000. With the support of the community, we are able to provide our services at little to no cost to those who otherwise could not afford to seek help. We won’t turn away anyone who needs us.
  
• Provident’s Crisis Services hotline received 68,036 calls in 2018. Every call to our 24/7 crisis hotlines is free to those in need. We estimate that each call costs $20.06 and the state of Missouri reimburses only $.20 per call, less than 1% of the actual cost. But that’s not what matters the most. We know that every call we answer is a chance to change a life or save a life. We believe nothing is more precious than a life.
  
• In 2018, 788 children between the ages of 5 and 14 participated in our Afterschool Program. We support their mental well-being by offering academic support, STEM lessons, a hot meal, recreation activities and field trips.  We keep kids safe and mentally healthy.

• Provident passionately supports the proposed National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, which aims to designate a new national 3-digit dialing code (similar to 911) to be used for a mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline. We advocate for those in need.

Please consider a donation, such as a gift certificate, gift basket of items, or monetary donation to our Gala auction. Please contact me with questions at mbauer@providentstl.org or 314-802-2581. Donations are needed by Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Thank you in advance for your consideration, your donation ensures there is always a lifeline for those in need.