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# More than $355,000 raised for St. Joseph Center
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/more-than-355-000-raised-for-st-joseph-center/
- Published: 2003-05-19T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T02:09:10.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Business, Venice, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Daily Press staff*

More than 500 business owners, professionals and community leaders turned out on Mother’s Day Eve in the Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel for St. Joseph Center’s 18th Annual Dinner Dance and Auctions. This year’s event raised more than $355,000 to benefit homeless and low-income men, women and children on the westside.

Hosted by actor Stephen Collins, the gala night included a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, live auction, live music and dancing. Comedian Jim Bentley and the Leonard Neil Orchestra provided entertainment. Dan Schwala chaired the event for the eighth year.

“Without the help of hundreds of supporters like these, St. Joseph Center would not be able to provide our ongoing continuum of services for disadvantaged families,” said Rhonda Meister, SJC executive director. “They help us give advocacy and emergency services to people who have run out of options.”

Funds raised from the event will go toward helping more than 7,500 homeless and working poor individuals with basic resources and case management, providing referrals to health care, shelter, job training, job opportunities and housing on seven sites in Venice, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles.

For more information on how you can help call 310-396-6468 ext. 328.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 19, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051903.pdf?ref=smdp.com)