School on Wheels celebrated its 10th birthday on Friday, September 12 at Showcase Live in Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA. Latoyia Edwards, NECN news anchor, enthusiastically emceed the gala for a sold-out crowd of almost 400 guests who came out to support SOWMA's mission to provide educational support services for children impacted by homelessness in Southeastern MA. 

 

High School Plus student Marc-Daniel Paul introduced his older sister Kerenne Paul, SOWMA's first college graduate, who shared her experience overcoming homelessness with the help of School on Wheels. The first in her family to earn a college degree, Kerenne now plans to pursue a graduate degree at the Harvard Extension Business School. Kerenne wowed the crowd with a beautiful a cappella rendition of "Happy Birthday," before turning the mic over to Founder and Executive Director Cheryl Opper, who thanked the guests and SOWMA team for their unwavering support of SOWMA's mission.  Cheryl then presented Dave Howe, President of The J. Derenzo Companies and Evolution Sports Performance with SOWMA's first "Champion for Our Kids" award. 

 

Following the program, guests participated in a spirited live auction which included two private dinners for 20 at The Farmer's Daughter in Easton, a "Farewell to Jeter" Red Sox package that included premium seats at the final game of Derek Jeter's career, and a "New York, New York" package including a portrait photo, dinner and one night's stay in New York City. Guests enjoyed passed appetizers and desserts from Cupcake Charlies, personalized celebrity People magazine covers by FUN Enterprises, and danced to the sounds of The Soul Ambition Band for the rest of the evening. 

 

The event exceeded the gala committee's fundraising goal, raising nearly $114,000! Opper was truly moved and thanked everyone for being part of SOWMA's 10-year history, saying "None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our donors, supporters, volunteers, staff and students. We couldn't do what we do without you!"

Kerenne is now working as a program assistant for the Harvard Medical School.

 

Click here to read a transcript of Kerenne Paul's speech at our 10th anniversary gala.

View photos of our gala

David Howe, president and owner of J. Derenzo Company and Evolution Sports Performance, has been a true friend to SOWMA for several years. His support has been invaluable to our success in providing and increasing our services to children impacted by homelessness.