10th Annual Rays of Hope Gala on Thursday, April 18, 2013
Shelter for the Homeless Commemorates 25 Years of Providing Help and Hope to Homeless People
On Thursday, April 18 at the Italian Center in Stamford, Connecticut, Shelter for the Homeless (SFH) will commemorate 25 years of providing help and hope to homeless people in a Motown-themed celebration of the agency’s accomplishments.
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According to SFH Executive Director Rafael Pagan Jr., past galas have honored the significant efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations to end homelessness and provide a path to self-sufficiency for men and women in the community. “This year, we are acknowledging the fact that everything we have been able to accomplish at SFH over the last quarter century – our emergency shelter and supportive housing, as well as the counseling programs and case management services we offer – in large part is thanks to the dedicated support of hundreds of volunteers and donors from businesses, religious organizations and the community.”
A more traditional ceremony of recognition and appreciation in past years, this year’s Rays of Hope Gala is planned as a festive celebration of the agency’s 25th anniversary that includes the “Motown sound” of the Silver Arrow Band – live music designed to get guests out of their chairs and onto the dance floor. “While homelessness is still an issue and there is still work to be done,” observes SFH Development Director Peggy Lutz, “Shelter for the Homeless has made significant progress in helping clients regain their independence and dignity. We have numerous success stories and we think that is cause for celebration. Besides, who doesn’t like a party?”
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The Rays of Hope Gala is the agency’s major annual fundraiser. Last year’s event raised more than $175,000 and this year’s goal is an ambitious $200,000 that will be realized through ticket sales plus silent and live auctions featuring getaway vacations, entertainment and sports memorabilia, elegant dining, wine tastings, golf outings and more. “These additional funds will help support the critical programs and services we provide,” says Pagan, “so our guests will be doing a world of good by having an evening of fun."
Organized by a committee that includes co-chairs Peter J. DaPuzzo (Riverside)and Laura van Riper (Darien) plus Susan Bruno, DeAnne Calcagnini, Tamara Cox, Darnell Crosland, Eileen Hynes, Luke Imperatore, John LaRock, Brunello Nucci, Debra O’Connor, Annmarie O’Malley, Patricia Phillips, Lisa Silva, Linda Terhune and Stella Thomas and honorary committee members Reverend Gary P. Brown, Joan Connor, Leslie Furst, Maureen Hughes, Patricia Phillips, Nancy Stoetzer and Fred Weissman, the Rays of Hope Gala includes cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing plus silent and live auctions.
To request an invitation to the Rays of Hope Gala, and for information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Peggy Lutz (plutz@shelterforhomeless.org or 203 406-0017 x301).
About Shelter for the Homeless: Shelter for the Homeless, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a safe and caring environment that serves lower Fairfield County by providing temporary housing to homeless men, striving to obtain permanent supportive housing and services for men and women tailored to meet their relevant needs, and empowering people to help themselves achieve their greatest level of self-sufficiency. Shelter for the Homeless provides four cornerstones of client service: Emergency Shelter for men from Stamford, Darien, Greenwich and New Canaan, Health and Recovery Services, Job and Life Skills Training, and Transitional and Long-Term Housing. More information may be found at www.shelterforhomeless.org or by calling (203) 406-0017.
