Grace Epperly, Development Coordinator with Wesley House Family Services, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization. .
Wesley House has been in the community for almost 100 years.
Epperly said, “2027 will be our 100th anniversary, so that’ll be a a big year. We’ll be really making an impact, and we’re actually already starting to plan our everything for the 100th year anniversary.”
Gift giving to families saw 190 families helped this year.
Epperly said, “It’s been amazing. The generosity is like, we’re always blown away, and it’s going to be a joyous Christmas for our families this year. We’re just so thankful for all of the donors and sponsors and businesses who who sponsored a family and provided gifts. The gifts are getting distributed this week, and it’s just it’s going to be a really nice Christmas for our families.”
The BeLighted Bike ride and Holiday Village was also successful.
Epperly said, “It was fun. It was a blast. I think it was the best one yet, for sure. And the police estimate about 3,500 to 4,000 for the bike riders.”
The Valentine’s Gala is in the works for February, too.
Epperly said, “We’re very excited about it. We are changing the location. We’re moving it to our Key Largo office event grounds, as I’m calling it, and it’ll be a really nice evening, Keys formal. So not, incredibly formal, but just nice attire and we’ll have a nice buffet dinner. And we’re going to continue our Keys wide online auction at the Valentine’s Gala. So that online auction will run February 4 through the 14th, and we are still accepting donations for the online auction in addition to sponsorships for the Key Largo Valentine’s Gala. So if anyone is interested in either of those contributing, you can get the information on our website. Remember, in the new year you don’t have to give a lot. A little bit goes a long way and adds up to a lot.”
Foster parents are always needed.
Epperly said, “Foster parents, that’s always our greatest need. So if you have considered it, maybe 2026 is the year you move forward. And I encourage you to give us a call at 809-5000, ask for a foster parent licensing coordinator. She can answer any of your questions. And it’s a great need. It’s very, very rewarding, and it’s worth it. I would just encourage you, if you even considered it, let’s take the next step and just have a conversation.”
Inez Martin Child Care had a visit from Santa yesterday.
Epperly said, “Santa came and visited the kids at Inez and the congregation of the Key West United Methodist Church provided brand new tennis shoes for every child, at Inez Martin, so Santa distributed them and just was so much fun. They just loved it. We’re just very grateful, appreciative of our donors, our supporters, our foster parents, our staff, our board members, our volunteers, and it’s the time to say thank you and just wishing everybody a Merry Christmas.”
For more information, click here: https://www.wesleyhouse.org