Homeless D211 Students to Benefit from RAH Fundraiser on November 16
In 2011, 10 area realtors became aware of the growing number of homeless students attending District 211 high schools, and chose to do something about it. Over the last six years, RAH (Realtors Against Homelessness) have hosted annual fundraisers to benefit both students and their families by raising nearly $200,000.
RAH is hosting its 7th annual fundraiser on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at Chandler's Banquets in Schaumburg.
Funds are donated directly to the D211 Foundation, which allocates assistance to homeless students in-need through school counselor referrals. RAH is an affiliate of the D211 Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
"These funds assist students, despite being homeless, to be able to stay in the same school and continue with the same activities, community and friends, and therefore have a better chance to succeed," said Maria Radwan, one of the founding members of RAH. "We raise funds to help minimize educational disruption for homeless youth by providing stability during a period of instability."
Assistance provided includes that for housing, transportation, school supplies, activities, events and other personal needs.
The fundraiser will be held Thursday, November 16, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Chandler's Banquets, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, and will include raffles, live and silent auctions, and new this year, popular local band 7th Heaven will provide live entertainment from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. during the event.
Tickets purchased before Thursday, November 9, are $50, and $60 if purchased after that date; they include heavy hors d'oeuvres and a drink ticket. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
RAH members include: Gail Bergstrom, Nick Blesz, Sandie Bobus, Maureen Brand, Randy Brush, Cindy Eich, Marty Eich, Sue Gould, Maria Radwan and Basel Tarabein.
Township High School District 211 serves the communities of Palatine, Inverness, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and portions of Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, South Barrington, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and Roselle. High schools include Palatine, Fremd, Schaumburg, Conant and Hoffman Estates, and North Campus and Higgins Ed Center, both alternative schools.
Please visit RAH211.com to purchase tickets and for more information about sponsorships. Additional information about RAH and this fundraiser can also be found at D211foundation.org.
ABOUT REALTORS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS (RAH):
REALTORS Against Homelessness (RAH) began as a group of 10 realtors from various offices who joined forces in 2011 to combat homelessness; which had become a serious issue among D211 high school students in the northwest suburbs. At that time, more than 200 young people were classified as homeless. Since RAH's inception, its support network has grown to include hundreds of caring real estate brokers, lenders, attorneys and other members of the real estate and school community. RAH has raised more than $190,000 which have been donated directly to the District 211 Foundation. RAH is an affiliate of the D211 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. The funds are ultimately distributed through school social workers at D211 high schools who provide assistance for both the teenagers and their families.
Homeless Designation:
According to federal laws, students are considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, share housing with other persons due to housing loss resulting from economic hardship, or if they become unaccompanied youth, including students who are unable to live in their home and are forced to find alternative shelter.
RAH Members Include:
Gail Bergstrom
Nick Blesz
Sandie Boxleitner Bobus
Maureen Brand
Randy Brush
Cindy Eich
Marty Eich
Sue Gould
Maria Radwan
Basel Tarabein