Welcoming James Palazza to the God’s Love Development Committee

By Lauren Jacobs, Key Donor Associate, Experience Liaison

As the need for nutritious, home-delivered meals continues to grow, our God’s Love community is expanding to meet that demand. Our recently formed Development Committee works to strategize opportunities to increase awareness of our mission in order to serve more clients living with illness. We are excited and proud to welcome James Palazza to this committee!

James first heard of God’s Love when he was volunteering at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, (now known as GMHC) during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. James recalls,

“I was visiting people in their homes who were sick, living with HIV/AIDS and dying - no one else was visiting these sick people. I loved volunteering and connecting with these people so much. God’s Love was one of the only organizations that was willing to visit people living with HIV/AIDS in their homes.” -James

James reflects on losing many beloved friends during this frightening time in NYC and remembers how this deeply impacted him. After his friend and God’s Love client, Peter, advised him to leave New York, James moved to Boston. When James returned to NYC in the early 2000s, he quickly reconnected with God’s Love through his neighbors and his active participation at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Two years ago, James recalled attending the Love Rocks NYC concert where he was touched by our clients’ stories and the warmth of the God’s Love staff:

“I could tell that there was so much heart that goes into everything you do, no other charity compares. I love the organization and everything about it.” -James

Since then, James has shared this admiration and support of God’s Love with everyone in his orbit. While styling people in gowns and suits at Saks Fifth Avenue, he often encourages a wardrobe change to wearing an apron and hat to pack meals in the God’s Love kitchen. Whether he is fundraising for his birthday on Facebook or sponsoring birthday cakes to ensure our clients feel loved and acknowledged on their special day, James always goes the extra mile for God’s Love.

“I want to help in any way! I want to bring awareness so more and more people learn about God’s Love We Deliver. I want to raise 1 million dollars and keep spreading the word.” -James

To James, we’d like you to know that while you’ve always been part of the God’s Love family, we are thrilled to officially have you with us in this new role. Thank you for support, enthusiasm, and for ALWAYS spreading the word about God’s Love!