For the past 25 years, the Homeless Family Center has been fully invested in its mission of “Changing Lives, one Family at a Time.” Supporters of the organization gathered to celebrate the milestone at a sold-out Silver Anniversary Dinner last Monday at the Quail Valley River Club.
Guests enjoyed a last peek at autumn’s early sunset while sipping on cocktails by the poolside Tiki Bar before heading inside to the elegantly decorated dining room. In keeping with the anniversary theme, stunning centerpieces featured silver bowls with white hydrangeas and silver accents atop silver tablecloths.
It was also revealed at the stylish affair that a new name has been approved for the organization – the Hope for Families Center. HFC Executive Director Mary Ellen Maguire, and Board President Tom Mackie said the board felt it more closely embodies the ongoing objective to give families hope for the future by making lasting changes through education, living wages and permanent housing. The ultimate goal is to have families become and remain self-sufficient.
“We turn homeless into hopeful,” said Dick Van Mele in a video presentation shown to the guests. A former board president, Van Mele and fellow Notre Dame Club members helped found the organization and have been instrumental in guiding its course over the years.
After giving a brief history of the HFC, Mackie stressed that the residents are considered part of an extended family.
“All of us in this room have achieved a certain level of success in life, which most likely would not have been possible without family support,” said Mackie of the financial, emotional and spiritual support that helps positively affect a person’s ability to cope and adapt. “A lot of the people who come to the center for help – the reason they’re homeless is that they did not have that broad family support. And that’s really why we’re here; to be their family and to help them develop that culture of having their own family and learn the steps to succeed.”
Before and after a delightful dinner, auctioneer John Moore coaxed and cajoled bidders with his customary debonair flair, raising more than $32,000 in bids for some very unique experiences with famed local celebrities. Monies raised at the event support the various programs underway at the HFC, providing hope for the future to an ever-growing number of families in need.
“There is such a need,” said Sue Scully, who chaired the event with a diligent committee of prominent Veroites. “You always think it’s going to get better and it doesn’t; it just gets worse.”
