A Safe Haven hosts sold-out 20th anniversary gala
Chicago, IL. (November 17, 2014). A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) hosted a sold-out gala to celebrate their 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Oak Brook Marriot.
Four hundred guests attended the gala and it is on track to have raised almost $150,000 as private online and envelop donations continue to arrive and be counted in support of the event. All proceeds from the gala will go directly to help homeless veterans residing at ASHF throughout the Chicago area.
Evelyn Sanguinetti, Lieutenant Governor Elect of Illinois, spoke at the event in support of A Safe Haven's mission to end homelessness. William Walsh, CEO/founder of Powerteam International, was the master of ceremonies. The keynote speaker was president and co-founder of ASHF, Neli Vazquez Rowland.
Guests heard first hand the moving testimony of three women who were formerly homeless, including a formerly homeless female veteran and past residents of ASHF. They courageously shared their stories of homelessness and how ASHF helped them overcome their challenges and move on to stable housing, employment and a quality of life they could never have dreamed when their were homeless.
ASHF was honored to have invited and hosted many elected officials and representatives including attendees: Alderman Joe Moore, Alderman Willie B. Cochran, Cook County Commissioners Jesus Garcia, Robert Steele and Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak, Judge Elect Jim Pieczonka, and many more. Illinois Senator Van Pelt, also provided a Proclamation from the State of Illinois recognizing A Safe Haven's 20th anniversary. Many leaders from the business community also attended including leadership from the Rotary One Club of Chicago and others. Miss Illinois International 2014 Randi Maxi also attended.
The evenings activities included an eagerly bid LIVE auction that included a custom-made suit by HAJ Designs, custom jewelry by Takhol Jewelers, original artwork by Catalina Sanchez, and a private dinner party for ten hosted by William Walsh, Neli Vazquez Rowland and Brian Rowland which will be catered by A Safe Haven Catering, all items were successfully auctioned by Auctioneer Ron Bernardi. The festive, fun and musical vibe for the event was produced by WILD'A Records & Orman Music & Media featuring artists Jose Cornier Latin Jazz Band, Child Prodigy and NYC Apollo Theater winner, Laura Bretan, respectively and DJ Oliver Fade.
Neli Vazquez Rowland, president of ASHF, movingly reports, "We were so humbled and grateful to have so many friends, members of the community, and business leaders commemorate this milestone event with us. The guests who came tonight through their participation and generosity really demonstrated their commitment to helping Veterans, who took care of our country; achieve a life of quality and stability. I have never felt so honored and blessed that this enlightened community has pulled together to make a profound impact in ending poverty and homelessness for our own neighbors in America."
Evelyn Sanguinetti, Lieutenant Governor Elect of Illinois, commented, " It is a true inspiration to look at the impact of co-founders, Neli and Brain Rowland as they followed their vision, worked hard, and grew the capacity of A Safe Haven to serve over 5,000 people each year. They have helped so many individuals through job training, housing, and substance abuse treatment. But more importantly, they have created a caring, accepting community that has provided hope and helped thousands achieve stable housing and become engaged and productive members of their community. It is because of their vision and their actions that I was genuinely honored to be part of A Safe Haven's 20th Anniversary Gala. I extend my highest regards as they continue their endeavor to end homelessness."
The gala was organized by the co-chairs: William Walsh, Steven Hartenstein, Bill Durkin, Dorothy Falkiewicz, Michael Favia, James Feldman, Erik Foster, Robert Kauffman, Harold Washington, and Norma Zambrano.
This event was also generously supported by Bruce and Diana Rauner, Enova, UPS, Baxter International Inc, and many others. To see more of our committed sponsors, please visit our website, www.asafehaven.org/20th-anniversary-gala/
Photos from the event can be found at www.ASafeHaven.org.
ABOUT A SAFE HAVEN
A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) is a unique multiple national and international award winning social enterprise model that helps people aspire, transform, and sustain their lives from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. ASHF provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness though a holistic and scalable model. ASHF's visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant and viable communities. Since 1994, over 65,000 homeless people have participated and benefited from A Safe Haven programs. In 2013-14, over 5,500 people participated and resided in A Safe Haven programs and over 1,300 of the residents were military veterans and over 900 were children with a parent(s). To learn more visit www.ASafeHaven.org.
Veterans seeking help can contact "A Safe Haven" through their website: ASafeHaven.org.
Read more: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/23470727/mental-health-debate-is-the-government-doing-enough-to-help-veterans#ixzz2fZYLXgc2