How much is one life worth? For those who give generously of their resources to support 1736 Family Crisis Center... finances, time, goods, or other... the answer is, "Everything."

These individuals and groups... people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests... know that their investment is invaluable in providing the help and hope that our most vulnerable community members need to turn their lives around.

With gratitude, we commend all who take action to bring peace and promise to lives in turmoil and highlight two exceptional examples here:

Marianna Gott of Manhattan Beach, CA willed $100,000 to 1736 Family Crisis Center before she passed away in September 2001. A science teacher at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles for over 30 years, the late Ms. Gott never married, "yet she cared greatly for children and others in need," says her surviving sister, Grace Eva Howard. "My sister's legacy will help save the lives of numerous runaway and homeless youth, along with battered women and their children."

Born in Los Angeles, Ms. Gott grew up near 1736 Family Crisis Center's Los Angeles community service center. "Marianna gave her emotional energy and attention to her students since she had no children," Mrs. Howard explains. She was an accomplished painter, sculptor, metal artist, and leather worker... as well as a passionate gardener.

"Ms. Gott gave quietly to 1736 Family Crisis Center, never seeking recognition, and in doing so, she surprised and inspired many others," says Center Executive Director Carol Adelkoff. "To honor Marianna, we are establishing an endowment fund in her name to kick off fundraising activities for our 30th anniversary."

Ms. Gott's gift comes at an especially dynamic time for the agency. In 2001, 1736 Family Crisis Center opened two new shelters in Long Beach and completely renovated one of its South Bay shelters. The Center also moved into new community service centers in Redondo Beach and in Los Angeles, tripling the available space for services in each area.

"Marianna had no idea that her $100,000 would launch the agency's 30th anniversary fundraising campaign," Mrs. Howard says. "If Marianna knew, she would feel as terrific as I do."

"Marianna is setting a great philanthropic example," she adds. "If a schoolteacher can bequeath a large sum to 1736 Family Crisis Center, then perhaps others will be inspired to give as generously as they can, too."

1736 Family Crisis Center is fortunate to count among its supporters a diverse range of individuals and groups who offer essential help to ensure our ability to provide people in need the highest quality of assistance possible.

Our long-time volunteers include the congregation of Manhattan Beach Community Church. For 30 years, members of the church have been providing runaway children and teens and battered and their children seeking help at our South Bay shelters nutritious meals.

These efforts have included doing and paying for the necessary grocery shopping, dropping off food supplies at the shelters – even preparing delicious casseroles and other dishes for shelter residents to enjoy.

Week after week... year after year... individuals and families from Manhattan Beach Community Church have set as a special priority making 1736 Family Crisis Center shelters comfortable, inviting homes. Like other treasured volunteers we will highlight across the coming months, congregation members have steadfastly devoted time and resources to this crucial activity so that hurting teens and traumatized women and children could come to the dinner table with eager anticipation, not dread.

Thank you.