Wednesday 8 June 2011

Frank Delape - Christmas Press Release

                 “We’re Blessed to be a Blessing” – Frank DeLape

Frank DeLape, Chairman and CEO of Benchmark Equity Group, is a determined and trustworthy business man who has made a positive name for himself in the Houston area.  His company provides private equity and debt financings from various funds as well as a syndicate of investors. He also has a heart for giving back to the community and has partnered with The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc. to invest in the lives of those the organization serves.

Since 1978, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc. has provided support and shelter to individuals and families who are victimized by domestic and sexual violence. The establishment started with a group of volunteers whose passion was to help victims of abusive circumstances. It provided a safe atmosphere for six families, during early operations, and has now grown into the sixth largest crisis center in the state of Texas. Currently serving over 20,000 people annually, this organization offers community and educational outreaches as well as residential and non-residential services. Through these programs, The Bridge focuses on each client’s step-by-step process of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing. Understanding the heavy negative impact abuse has on the lives of individuals and families, the Bridge strives to build self-sufficiency within the victims that will grow into a future of healthy choices, positive relationships and gratifying lifestyles.
The Bridge caters to Harris County, where there is an estimated 6,935 sexual assaults towards woman and 52, 560 domestic violence reports in a year’s time according to Women’s Resource of Greater Houston and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. There is a diverse group of individuals in need of assistance, but nearly 50% of the emergency center population is children. These statistics emphasize the demand for such an organization and has given the Bridge the drive to continuously meet the communities’ needs.

Frank DeLape believes in this organization and understands that a little bit of hope and cheer goes a long way.
Each Christmas Season, children, hoping to be on Santa’s “nice list,” write a letter expressing their desired toys and gifts. For 15 years, Frank has ensured that the children from The Bridge Over Troubled Waters shelter do not go unnoticed. He has receivess numerous animated letters from children at the center conveying their Christmas wish list. Frank and his family then embark on a journey to purchase the two items each child desires most.

Frank’s passionate and caring nature goes one step further:. On Christmas Eve, he is decked out in a red suit and hat, ready to deliver the gifts and toys. The children wait in anticipation to see Jolly Old Saint Nick and all of his elves.

The experience isin not only about the gifts, but givingen the children a feeling that many of them have long for buty rarely or never receive: the feeling of being cared for, loved and appreciated. (or appreciated or though of) and love.

Deborah Moseley, LBSW Executive Director of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters expresses, “Each year, Santa Frank and his elves give the gift of hope to children in our emergency shelter who have been in crisis situations.  From the newborn to the young man entering college, he touches their lives with his generosity.  Often it is the first time in their troubled lives anyone has cared enough to give them a true “want” and not simply fulfill a need.  The DeLape family is a true partner with The Bridge in making positive change in the lives of survivors.”

 In March 2011, the Bridge opened a new facility better to accommodate those in need.The Bridge has grown rapidly causing the construction of a new facility that opened in March 2011. This new crisis center serves a an emergency shelter, houses 100 beds, and includes a 24-hour phone line dedicated to crises intervention. This building also allows for additional awareness cultivation events to be implemented.
As The Bridge Over Troubled Water continues to grow and serve the community, Frank DeLape will maintain his dedicated role in each child’s life during the holidays. Many may consider the idea of Santa Clause a scam; however, Frank and his family believe that this simple act of kindness provides them with an opportunity to continuously live out their motto: “We are blessed to be a blessing.”

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