Ninth Annual Spring Event Raises Nearly $200,000 to Help Homeless Families

Adding a piece to the puzzle.

About 140 Family Promise supporters gathered at Baltusrol Golf Club on Friday, May 11 for the organization’s Ninth Annual Spring Event. The evening raised almost $200,000, which will support Family Promise’s mission of helping low-income and homeless families achieve lasting independence and a brighter future.

Family Promise President Karen Olson.

Board Chair Cary Hardy and President Karen Olson greeted those in attendance and shared how Family Promise helps families in their time of need. A live auction of luxurious vacation homes and a wine-tasting dinner was emceed by auctioneer Brian Jaffe. Director of Affiliate Services Claas Ehlers and National Associate Tom Cioffi then took the floor to share their stories from their work with homeless families throughout the nation and to ask for support for the development of new Family Promise Affiliates. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, Family Promise will be able to develop another three Affiliates in communities demonstrating great need.

Board Vice Chairman Martin Wise joins the bidding.

Board Vice Chair Martin Wise joins the bidding.

Guests also had the opportunity to support Family Promise through a silent auction and by purchasing pieces of a puzzle crafted from art work drawn by a young homeless girl who had been served by the organization’s Cape May County Affiliate. The picture depicts a “before” Family Promise scene on one side, with rain clouds and an unhappy family. The “after” Family Promise side has a happy family walking into the sunshine.

Family Promise is grateful to all who supported our Ninth Annual Spring Event, including our corporate sponsors. Ernst & Young was an “Angel” sponsor; Protection 1 a “Benefactor.” Allstate Insurance, Bench International, Celgene and Lois Schneider Realtor were “Supporter”-level sponsors; Bourne, Noll & Kenyon, Hilltop Community Bank, Lindabury, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C, The Bar Method of Summit, and the Other Fellow First Foundation were “Friends.”