The fundraising season is about to begin in Eastern Jackson County. Announcements of upcoming galas and benefits are becoming more frequent in the daily mail, proclaiming that summer vacation is coming to a close, and the social calendar is once again filling up. Some favorite and familiar annual gatherings are being scheduled and some surprises are sure to be in store.
Marked on the October date book is the 10th Annual Gala and Auction for Hillcrest Transitional Housing. The Hillcrest gala committee has been busily soliciting sponsorship and designing invitations while the rest of us sipped lemonade and sat poolside. Set for Saturday, October 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence, the yearly money maker is sure to deliver the same excellent hospitality and emotion that makes it a perennial success.
For those of us who attend loads of benefits and parties throughout the year, certain ones stand apart and leave a lasting impression. The Hillcrest gala has evolved over the years but has stayed true to itself and continues to be an inspiring evening. What Hillcrest accomplishes as well as anyone else who hosts fundraising events in town is personalizing the services the agency provides. While there are other events that may be more elegant and elaborate, few are more impactful or do a better job connecting donors to the people who benefit from supporters’ generosity.
A highlight of each Hillcrest gala is the recitation of the names of the children who have passed through the doors of the Eastern Jackson County facilities during the past year.
The power of this simple act reminds everyone in attendance of the lives that are positively changes through private contributions and volunteer hours. Startling, a large percentage of the homeless population are children and the average age of a homeless person is nine years old.
Hillcrest assists dozens of families each year transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. The 90-day program allows families to live in one of the Hillcrest homes rent-free and utilities-free. While in residence at Hillcrest families and individuals are guided through a rigorous program that offers life-skills training and support. All residents are required to work and sacrifice all unnecessary expenses, learning to differentiate between wants and needs.
The Annual Gala and Auction provide 25 percent of Hillcrest’s budget each year and allows the agency to continue to provide services and support to those who qualify for the program. Information is available at www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.com.
