BEVERLY — Workers at a Beverly center that treats at-risk kids said they are broken-hearted after thieves broke into their building and looted dozens of silent auction baskets intended to raise needed cash to help kids.
Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic and Treatment Center at 1912 W. 103rd St. was gearing up for its largest holiday gala and fundraiser to date when the grinches struck last weekend.
The burglars broke in, snatched 40 silent auction baskets and damaged the rest "beyond repair," the center said.
"Our hearts were broken when we realized what had happened," Susan Reyna-Guerrero, president and CEO of Beacon, said in a statement. "The [Dec. 2] silent auction is the centerpiece of our largest annual fundraiser and without it, how could we help the at-risk children and families that look to us for assistance every day?"
The center has helped disadvantaged kids for more than four decades, and now offers clinical therapy and educational programming.
The break-in put the group's Annual Holiday Supper in jeopardy, officials said. But neighbors and supporters were not about to let the holiday season be ruined for the non-profit.
About a day after the group posted about the break-in on Facebook, nearly every basket that was stolen or damaged has been replaced through donations, the group said. Neighbors brought new baskets, replaced items that were stolen and donated via the group's website.
"This community, our friends and neighbors in the Beverly area opened their hearts once again and saved the day," Reyna-Guerrero said.
Beacon will host its 24th annual holiday fundraiser Dec. 2 as scheduled, the group said. And though neighbors saved the day by replacing the stolen auction items, funds are still needed to help run the center.
The gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. at its campus at 10650 S. Longwood Ave. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling 773-881-1005 or by emailing prourke@beacon-therapeutic.org. Donations can be made at beacon-therapeutic.org
"We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from our community," said Peggy Rourke, director of development for Beacon. "Although the baskets have been replaced, there is still a huge need to raise funds for serving the most vulnerable children and families."
Founded in 1968, Beacon Therapeutic serves at-risk children and families by providing access to education, mental health and social services. It also operates a day school in Beverly.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
