Fundraiser to Benefit Homeless High School Students Set for November 7, 2018
Area residents may be shocked to learn that each year, there are more than 200 students attending District 211 (D211) high schools, who are classified as homeless. While these young people are working to receive an education, they lack something many of us might take for granted; a regular or adequate nighttime residence. Some students are even forced to live in shelters or out of automobiles due to serious financial challenges faced by their families.
After becoming aware of this sensitive issue in 2011, ten local realtors joined forces to create REALTORS® Against Homelessness (RAH) in an effort to make a difference. For the last eight years, RAH has raised more than $200,000 at yearly fundraisers to benefit D211 homeless students. RAH partners with the District 211 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and funds raised are donated directly to the D211 Foundation, which allocates financial assistance to homeless students through high school counselor referrals.
Funds raised assist students with a variety of needs, in order to provide them with as normal of a life as possible despite their current circumstances. In addition to providing aid for rent or temporary housing, funds also are provided for utilities, as well as food, clothing, school supplies, medical attention, and transportation assistance.
"We are grateful for our partnership with the District 211 Foundation as we continue our support for students experiencing homelessness in our area. Our real estate community has come together in a powerful way over these past eight years," said Cindy Eich, one of the founding members of RAH. "7th Heaven's performance adds a fun and exciting element to our event while providing a great way to attract members of the broader community. All are welcome! We hope to make this year's event our best one yet!"
This year's fundraiser will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Stonegate Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates, and will include raffles, along with live and silent auctions. 7th Heaven will perform live from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Among the District 211 high schools are Palatine, Fremd, Schaumburg, Conant and Hoffman Estates, as well as North Campus and Higgins Education Center, both alternative schools.
Tickets purchased through Wednesday, October 31, 2018 are $50, and $60 if purchased after that date; heavy hors d'oeuvres and a drink ticket are included, and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Please visit RAH211.com to purchase tickets and for more information about sponsorships. Additional information about this fundraiser and RAH can also be found at D211foundation.org.
About R.A.H. and its Founders:
Realtors Against Homelessness (R.A.H.) was founded in August of 2011 by Gail Bergstrom, Nick Blesz, Sandie Bobus, Maureen Brand, Randy Brush, Cindy Eich, Marty Eich, Sue Gould, Maria Radwan and Basel Tarabein who work for a variety of area real estate offices. They joined together with a mission to provide support to the growing number of homeless students attending District 211 schools. By increasing awareness and fundraising efforts, R.A.H. has been able to positively impact the lives of homeless students.
District 211 High Schools and Communities:
District 211 high schools include Palatine, Fremd, Schaumburg, Conant and Hoffman Estates High School, as well as North Campus and Higgins Education Center, both alternative schools. 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.
Homeless Designation from the Federal Government:
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 are unaccompanied youth, including students who are unable to live in their home and are forced to find alternate shelter