10th Anniversary Homeless to Hopeful Gala is Oct. 11

The 10th Anniversary Homeless to Hopeful Gala to support the New London Homeless Hospitality Center and Covenant Shelter of New London will be Saturday, Oct. 11 from 7-11 p.m. at Ocean Beach Park in New London.

To celebrate the 10th annual event, this year’s dance will be more festive than ever, and will honor 10 individuals who’ve made a difference – sometimes quietly, sometimes forcefully – in the fight against homelessness in southeastern Connecticut.

Rock ’n’ Soul Revue of Mystic will provide entertainment for the evening. The eight-piece dance and party band features Motown, soul, R&B, classic rock and blues favorites. It has played venues from the Omni Parker House in Boston to the Academy of Science in New York.

Tickets are $20 per person, general admission, and $10 for seniors, students and military personnel. They can be purchased at the door or at Peoples Bank and Liberty Bank in Waterford. The evening includes a raffle and auction as well as light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Last year the dance raised $50,000 for the two shelters.

The names of those being honored are listed below. At the gala, they will be celebrated with a special display highlighting their achievements.

Judy Mann, a 25-year volunteer with the NL Community Meal Center, a former member of HHC’s board of directors and a passionate advocate for the less fortunate.

Dave Pascua of the Southeast Mental Health Authority. He works to end discrimination and find the best possible housing for people facing mental health challenges.

Skylar Neidig, 9, of Waterford. She has supported Covenant Shelter by asking friends to make donations instead of giving her birthday gifts, and by selling snowflakes.

Andrea Stillman, retiring state senator. Unwavering support for the homeless was a hallmark of her public service.

Michel Belt of St. James in New London. His leadership helped ensure that the homeless had access to services and a safe place to sleep after the city closed its Social Services Department.

Dana Dixon, who manages NLHHC’s healthcare program for the homeless. You can often find her on the streets, engaging with folks living outside.

Lisa Tepper Bates, head of the CT Coalition to End Homelessness. She’s a leader in the move to coordinate services, and a passionate advocate in Hartford.

Kids for Kids program at St. John’s Episcopal in Niantic. In the past two years they have collected 30 backpacks, 20 lunch boxes and a variety of school supplies (from notebooks to calculators) for children at Covenant Shelter.

Bev Goulet, who’s retiring as director of human services in Norwich. Her commitment to improving people’s lives is unfailing.

Shelter staff at the Homeless Hospitality Center and Covenant Shelter, New London’s two regional shelters. They are on the front lines of the battle against homelessness, armed with a mix of toughness, love and resourcefulness.