Crisis Ministries To Host Screening of Pursuit of Happyness; Event to Heighten Awareness of Homelessness

Crisis Ministries will host a screening of Pursuit of Happyness to raise awareness of homelessness. The 2006 film is based on the true story of Christopher Gardner, a homeless, single father trying to make ends meet.

The movie will be shown at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the American Theater (456 King St.). A $12 donation is suggested. Popcorn and soft drinks are included, and a cash bar is available. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.  Tickets are available online at: http://charlestonhomeless.givezooks.com/events/movie or at the door (based on availability).

About Pursuit of Happyness:

Will Smith stars in this moving tale inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman struggling to build a future for himself and his 5-year-old son Christopher (Jaden Smith). When his girlfriend Linda (Thandie Newton) walks out, Chris is left to raise Christopher on his own. Chris’ determination finally pays off when he lands an unpaid internship in a brutally competitive stockbroker-training program, where only one in twenty interns will make the cut. But Chris and his son are evicted from their apartment and are forced to sleep on the streets, in homeless shelters and even behind the locked doors of a metro station bathroom. With self-confidence and the love and trust of his son, Chris Gardner rises above his obstacles to become a Wall Street legend.

The real-life inspiration for the movie, Chris Gardner, will speak at the shelter’s annual FOOD • SHELTER • HOPE fundraising event on April 18 at the Riviera Theater. A reception and live auction will follow. Individual tickets are $150 and VIP tickets (two tickets to the VIP reception and event) are $500. Call Molly Thompson at 843-737-8384 to purchase tickets.

About Crisis Ministries:

Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless shelter in South Carolina, serving over 1,500 guests annually. Founded in 1984, Crisis Ministries provides food, shelter and hope to its guests through a variety of programs, including: education and employment training, legal assistance, mental health and substance abuse counseling and healthcare. Additionally, the shelter provides meals at the soup kitchen and support for Veterans. To donate to the new facility, visit www.foodshelterhope.org. For more information, visit www.charlestonhomeless.org or call 843-723-9477.

Filed in