There was a lot of nonliteral jumping at the 11th Bullfrog Bash, a fundraiser for the Jeremiah Program, Nov. 21 at the Depot in Minneapolis.
The organization's name originates from an Old Testament verse, but the party's moniker pays homage to the opening line of the Three Dog Night hit "Joy to the World." The amphibian theme certainly worked for the guests -- Barbara Burwell wore bejeweled frog earrings and a ring.
The Jeremiah Program is all about helping single mothers hop along. The inspiration comes from the Rev. Michael O'Connell, who came up with the idea when he came to the Basilica of St. Mary in the early 1990s. "So many issues can derail" the young mother, he said. "So let's give her a safe place and her child a safe place."
It's a mission that continues. "Nobody can succeed independently, and tonight is a celebration of supporting women and helping mothers and children become self-reliant," said Gloria Perez, president and CEO.
Graduates, including Elaine Avery of Minneapolis, were at the party. The Jeremiah Program "allowed me to return to school, get skills and a decent job," she said. She closed on a home for herself and her 6-year-old son, Jasper.
With the goal of going national, the Jeremiah Program has launched programs in Fargo-Moorhead and Austin, Texas. It's a major leap, indeed.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
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