RAH fundraiser to benefit homeless D211 students
Northwest suburban-based REALTORS® Against Homelessness is hosting the ninth annual fundraiser to assist homeless District 211 students.
The event will take place from 5:30 until 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Stonegate Banquet Center, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates.
There are more than 230 students this year attending one of the District 211 high schools who are homeless. District 211 high schools include Palatine, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Conant - as well as the Higgins Education Center and North Campus, both of which are alternative high schools.
According to federal guidelines, students who are homeless lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, are sharing housing with others due to the loss of a home, or are unable to live in their homes and are forced to find alternate shelter.
Since its inception in 2011, more than $300,000 has been raised by RAH, which was founded by 10 Northwest suburban Realtors who had become aware of the growing number of area homeless high school students.
The group banded together with a goal to raise funds in order to provide a variety of supports for these young people - who, despite their dire circumstances - continue to attend their respective high schools to receive their education.
RAH Chairwoman Cindy Eich invites area residents to come out and support this important cause while enjoying a night of musical entertainment, food and cocktails and silent/live auctions.
"We are thrilled that our evening's entertainment will be provided by Riley Elmore from the popular show 'The Voice.' Additionally, we have terrific silent and live auction items, including amazing group trips, as well as a one-week stay in Naples, Florida, a Blackhawks package and so much more," Eich said.
Funds raised by RAH are donated directly to the District 211 Foundation and provide the opportunity for District 211 counselors to request a variety of items and supports for students who are identified as homeless.
Assistance provided includes gas cards for young people staying outside the school district who need transportation assistance to get to school, as well as grocery gift cards, school supplies, funds to cover activity fees, clothing and other personal needs.
"One of the most heartwarming things is when we can assist families in staying together. This is something that can be quite challenging when an entire family becomes homeless," Eich said. "Funds raised by RAH can be utilized on a temporary, emergency basis to help people stay in their homes, if at all possible."
Tickets include heavy hors d'oeuvres, a drink ticket and the opportunity to help positively change the lives of a homeless high school students. Tickets purchased prior to Thursday, Oct. 31, are $50; the price goes up to $60 after that date.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets and for information about sponsorships, visit RAH211.com.
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 $300,000, which has 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. Visit RAH.com.
The Township High School District 211 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been in existence since 1995. Its mission is to obtain and provide resources to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for the students, staff and school community of Township High School District 211 that are beyond taxpayers' responsibility.
Grants have been awarded at all District 211 schools. Supported educational opportunities are directly related to leadership, technology/science, college/career planning, community, wellness, cultural perspectives, arts and creativity and positive behavior intervention and support. Visit D211foundation.org.
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.
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