From Homeless Solutions Inc.:
Homeless Solutions Raises $306k at Sold Out 17th Annual Dream Builders’ Bash
On Friday, March 3, 2017, Homeless Solutions hosted its 17th Annual Dream Builders’ Bash at the Westin Governor Morris in Morristown and raised over $306,000 in support of its shelter and housing programs.
It was a sold out event and the largest Bash ever, with over 375 guests in attendance for an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, a wine pull, a raffle, and silent & live auctions.
The most memorable part of the evening, though, was hearing from a former Homeless Solutions Shelter and Transitional Housing Program participant about her family’s time with Homeless Solutions.
She spoke movingly about how impactful the organization’s programs were:
“It has been long journey for our family and if it were not for Homeless Solutions I’m not sure where we would be today. We are so grateful to the staff, the volunteers and donors who make it all possible to help families like us.
“Today we have good credit, a roof over our heads, and both have higher paying jobs. We feel happy and safe. The motto at Homeless Solutions, ‘a hand up, not a handout’ truly represents the organization. We will never forget and will always be grateful for that hand up!”
This year’s Dream Builder Award was presented to Jack and Joslin Ruffle of New Vernon, generous and loyal benefactors of Homeless Solutions for nearly two decades.
The couple has set an inspiring example for others through their lifelong service to others, supporting Homeless Solutions through the recession of ’08, key leadership transitions, a capital campaign, and the creation of the organization’s Betsey Hall Education Fund.
Mendham resident and dedicated Homeless Solutions volunteer Jared Forminard was recognized with the Mary E. Van Kirk Volunteer Spirit Award.
Forminard has been a steadfast volunteer for nearly five years, making monthly food donation pick-ups from the food bank in Hillside; his commitment to this critical and time consuming task has freed up shelter staff to focus on other activities.
“This was truly an inspiring evening,” said Homeless Solutions CEO Dan McGuire.
“Over 375 community-minded attendees joined us for a wonderful event, but, more importantly, in support of our mission, programs, and guests. It’s thanks to them, along with our generous sponsors and dedicated committee members, that our 17th Annual Dream Builders’ Bash was such a success.“
About Homeless Solutions, Inc.
Homeless Solutions is a private, non-profit organization that has been helping the homeless and working poor in the Morris County, NJ area since 1983. Homeless Solutions operates emergency Shelter Programs for families, single women, single men, and the homeless mentally ill, in addition to a Transitional Housing facility.
Based on the organization motto of ‘A Hand up, not a Handout’, its staff and programs give people the tools they need to rebuild their lives, and as working people move to independence, Homeless Solutions develops and renovates sustainable homes people can afford. In 2016 HSI sheltered and housed 518 individuals, including 135 children. To learn more or volunteer, please visit www.homelesssolutions.org.
