Mercy House's Sixth Annual Fundraising Gala "Living With Heart" Celebrates 20 Years of Service

Mercy House will host its sixth annual fundraising gala, "Living With Heart," at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Santa Ana, CA, May 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Mercy House, one of Southern California’s premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services, today announced that its sixth annual fundraising gala, “Living With Heart,” will be held at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

This year, Mercy House is very pleased to announce that it has selected Experian as its corporate honoree and House of Blues Anaheim as its community honoree. In addition, the agency will be giving special recognition to its first employee, Executive Director Larry Haynes, for 20 years of leadership.

"Experian is dedicated to making an important difference in each of the communities in which we work and live. Our relationship with Mercy House highlights this community commitment, and we are honored to receive this year’s Corporate Honoree Award," said Heather McLaughlin, vice president of Public Affairs for Experian. "Experian volunteers continually support Mercy House through its Cold Weather Shelter program, and our Public Education team is working to launch a series of credit education workshops for integration into the Mercy House Life Skills curriculum. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Mercy House for many years to come."

“House of Blues is known nationally for its community involvement on a national and local level,” said Todd Miller, talent buyer for House of Blues. “On a national level, we champion efforts to keep arts and music in the schools. On a local level, we support important local charities and are always ready to jump in to help local musicians in need. In support of this year’s gala, House of Blues will host an evening at our Downtown Disney location, featuring a name band, and we will handle all of the promotion and ticket sales to benefit of the clients and programs of Mercy House.”

“I would especially like to acknowledge all of our gracious sponsors including Riviera magazine,” said Larry Haynes. “Their kind generosity significantly helps offset the costs associated with hosting the event, allowing us to apply the funds we raise directly to the programs and services that benefit our clients. Please join us on May 15 to for a spectacular evening!” A list of sponsors follows the press release.

The theme for this year’s gala is “Together We Shine.” The theme for the event will be supported by an original song performed by a “super group” of Southern California musicians at the beginning of the program. In addition, an original art piece, “Together We Shine,” was created by Los Angeles-based artist Brooke Reidt, and will be featured in the live auction. Renderings of the “Together We Shine” heart have been featured on the sponsorship brochure, invitations and website, and will also serve as the focal point of the event’s décor.

Ellis Hall, a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso and dynamic vocalist, will provide entertainment for the evening. Protégé to Ray Charles, he has performed and recorded with a literal who's who of musical elite. The guests will also rock to the music of this year’s runner up of KTLA’s Battle of the Bands, “Adam’s Attic.” Comedian Tim Shaw will serve as master of ceremonies.

Co-chairs for Mercy House’s sixth annual Living With Heart Gala are board member Kathleen A. Janson, Joseph N. Aldrich and Cara Stewart.

Mercy House has developed a continuum of care to provide homeless prevention, emergency services, transitional housing and permanent housing with supportive services for a variety of homeless populations in Orange County, Los Angeles County and the City of Ontario. Clients include families, adult men and women, mothers and their children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, individuals overcoming substance addictions, and some who are physically and mentally disabled.

In addition, this year, Mercy House is managing the Orange County Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter program, providing up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana, Calif., as well as the Ontario Temporary Homeless Services Area (THSA), providing space for up to 172 individuals for the City of Ontario, Calif.

Mercy House Statistics:

Homeless Prevention Program - Mercy House served 120 households, including 366 individuals.

Emergency Services - Mercy House provided more than 8,304 individuals with emergency services and provided a total of 40,972 bed nights at the Orange County Cold Weather Armory Shelter Programs.

Transitional Housing - Mercy House housed 200 people in our transitional shelters including single men and veterans, single women, mothers with children and men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

Permanent Housing and Aftercare Services - Mercy House provided affordable permanent housing with aftercare services to 142 residents. During this time, clients were able to retain their housing vouchers and no clients were evicted. Mercy House also served an additional 36 clients including 22 families with aftercare services.

Total Number of Clients Served - During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Mercy House served at total of 9,048 clients.

Family Redirection Program 2009 – 2010
The Family Redirection Program is a collaborative effort between the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, The Orange County United Way and Mercy House Living Centers, in conjunction with the Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Programs. The purpose of the program is to provide enhanced services to Orange County’s families with children are not further exposed to emergency shelter situations.

Fiscal year 2009-2010: Served 335 families.

Tax-deductible tickets to this black tie optional evening of cocktails, silent auction, dinner, live auction and exciting performances are $250. The proceeds of the event will be used to support the growing number of Mercy House services and facilities. For more information, please go to www.mercyhouse.net/gala or call (714) 836-7188 x120.

About Mercy House
Santa Ana, Calif.-based Mercy House is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides housing and comprehensive supportive services for a variety of homeless populations including families, adult men and women, mothers and their children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, individuals overcoming substance addictions, and the physically and mentally disabled. Founded in 1988 by Father Jerome T. Karcher, Mercy House has established Mercy House Center, as well as transitional living facilities including St. Joseph House, Regina House and Emmanuel House. In 2005, Mercy House offered permanent affordable housing for the first time by opening the San Miguel Residence. Mercy House has expanded its services to open three facilities in Ontario, California. Guadalupe Residence provides 15 four-bedroom apartments for permanent affordable housing. Assisi House provides nine apartments as transitional housing units. Visit www.mercyhouse.net.

2010 “Living With Heart” Sponsors

Kindness Sponsors
Ray and Lisa Bukaty
Irell & Manella LLP
Michael Ray
Tracy Industries, Inc.

Silent Auction Sponsor
Bill and Helen Close

Entertainment Sponsor
Chris and Kim Fox - Minuteman Parking Company

Empathy Sponsors
Advanced Real Estate Services, Inc.
Tim and Madeleine Clyde
Frome Family Foundation
O’Melveny & Myers LPP
Andy and Dee Puzder
Phil and Eloise Ramos – Philatron Wire & Cable
Simon Foundation

Sensitivity Sponsors
Access Executive Network
Tom and Liz Conway
Larry Haynes and Donna Lynn Haynes
Carl and Paula Karcher
Quentin and Barbara Wall

Volunteer Room Sponsor
Paul and Heather Singarella

Concern Sponsors
C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, LLC
Cole and Company, Inc.
Tom and Sara D’Elia
Father Jerome T. Karcher
Kendrick Jackson & Kearl
Paul and Lisa Marcus
Remarx Media

In-Kind Partners
Adam’s Attic
Griffiths Printing
Artildo Holloway
Aaron Kupferman, Photography
Janson Group
Jason Janson
Mia Janson
Meridian Graphics
David Moyle, Event/Still Photography
Rabbit Ridge Winery
Brooke Reidt
Riviera Magazine
Robert Rooks Photography
Tim Shaw, Emcee
Austin Wood
X-Press Graphic Services

###
Contact
Janson Group
Kathleen Janson
(949) 654-2512
http://jansongroup.com
ContactContact
Categories