Boys Town Louisiana
“Everybody Loves” Boys Town Louisiana’s Special Guests
Boys Town Louisiana received a visit from one of their most generous supporters, Melissa Beyeler, and her friend Monica Horan Rosenthal, perhaps better known as “Amy” from the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.
The girls at the Behrman Street Shelter and the boys from the City Park Residential Home visited with Beyeler and Rosenthal for about two hours following dinner on April 27.
|
 |
|
Monica Horan Rosenthal, Joyce Raphael, Boys Town Louisiana Teacher, and Melissa Beyeler share an emotional evening with Boys Town Louisiana youth.
|
|
|
“It was so amazing to see our girls and boys openly share their hurts and disappointments with Melissa and Monica,” said Germaine Mitchell, Boys Town Louisiana Development Director. “In return, Melissa and Monica shared tears, hugs and quality one-on-one conversations with our kids.”
Beyeler became involved with Boys Town Louisiana through her organization, Friends & Helpers, during the Hurricane Katrina School District Recovery Program when they donated school supplies and equipment to New Orleans schools.
Friends & Helpers is a grass-roots charity foundation that helps physically and emotionally abused women and children. The organization also works with Boys Town California, where Friends & Helpers was founded.
“If you are about the business of helping people, you’re welcome to be on her team,” said Joyce Raphael, teacher at Boys Town Louisiana. “She is a grassroots person who wants to help people, and she just put us on her list.”
After becoming acquainted with Boys Town, Beyeler came for a “fire-side chat” with the children at Boys Town Louisiana. Beyeler also comes from an abusive background and wanted to share her story with the youth.
“Melissa is a good candidate to speak with the kids,” said Raphael. “She has become an advocate of our program.”
During Rosenthal’s first visit to Boys Town, she was moved by the children’s stories and asked for information on Boys Town’s financial needs so she can determine what she can do to help.
“Boys Town is blessed to have supporters like Beyeler and Rosenthal,” said Dennis Dillon, Boys Town Louisiana Executive Director. “They provide youth hope and healing through conversation, prayers and love.”
“This guest night was such a healing experience for everyone in attendance,” said Mitchell.
|
