The Grand Harbor Clubhouse glittered brilliantly last Thursday evening during the annual Diamonds in the Rough Gala fundraiser to benefit Camp Haven.
An impressive diamond ice sculpture stood sentinel at the entrance – a testament to the hard work of the homeless men who have passed through the shelter, as they ‘chisel’ out a new life for themselves. Camp Haven helps them rebuild their lives by providing temporary housing along with employment, psychological and personal counseling.
Guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they perused an impressive collection of auction items before settling into a delicious dinner and entertainment by Bobby and the Blisters.
“Since Camp Haven opened in January 2014, we have helped 201 men,” said Chuck Bradley, executive director. “Seventy percent of those folks have graduated our programs.”
Currently, 95 percent of the men at Camp Haven are employed, all of those with children are paying child support, and 100 percent of the men are meeting their financial obligations, explained Bradley, adding, “If you don’t pay you don’t stay.”
Board member Gordon Stewart recapped progress made in 2019, noting that thanks to a generous donation from the John’s Island Foundation, the men now have access to an outdoor fitness area to promote both healthy minds and bodies. Stewart also spoke of the demolition of a dilapidated structure on the south side of the property, which will soon house a new meeting space and warming kitchen.
Announcing MaryAnn Egan as this year’s Diamond Award recipient, event chair Linda Teetz called her a “jewel and a gem.”
“This Diamond Award is really symbolic of your very good nature; your very soul. We are so thankful for all that you do for the men at Camp Haven,” said Teetz.
After highlighting several success stories, Brian Korkus, board chairman, shared a video from Vetson Derisse, a Camp Haven graduate who now serves in the U.S. Army.
“It’s a thrill to see these men go off to start their own businesses and get into professional careers. We’ve got a paramedic, IT professionals, plumbers and electricians,” said Korkus.
Jermey Gable, Camp Haven assistant director, introduced David Moshier as this year’s Camp Haven Graduate of the Year.
“This gentleman came to our family completely broken. Our approach to rebuilding his life was done carefully and gently,” said Gable, noting that Moshier has since achieved life-changing goals.
“Most people need to hit rock bottom before they are willing to change. I hit that rock bottom as I found myself struggling with mental illness and addiction and eventually became homeless,” shared Moshier.
Disconnected from family, friends and society, he eventually found himself in jail, before being referred to Camp Haven in 2014. There, stability, structure and accountability enabled him to create a platform to begin rebuilding his life.
“I am proof of someone capable of change,” said Moshier, who is now a successful business owner, working to give back to a community who gave him so much.
“I’m still a work in progress, but I’m grateful that my restoration has pulled me to be able to help others,” said Moshier. “I will be forever grateful to Camp Haven, to God and to those resources and people who were available and eager to help me change the trajectory of my life.”
After enticing guests to battle over live-auction items, auctioneer Wesley Davis challenged the crowd in a Call to the Heart to help cover the $26,000 they need to continue providing mental health services.
“One of the biggest crises that we see right now is those individuals that need mental health services. We see it right here in our community. And we see it overlooked so frequently,” said Davis.
For more information, visit camphaven.net.
Photos by: Kaila Jones
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