Last Saturday night, over 300 Hope Solutions’ supporters gathered together from home to watch and celebrate our 13th annual gala, Ruby Slippers – There’s No Place Like Home. Together, we raised $324,000 to support our mission to heal the effects of homelessness and poverty by providing permanent housing solutions and vital support services.
Our online attendees enjoyed musical performances from the Yellow Brick Road Trio hailing from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian (Pleasant Hill) and The Pacific Choir who hosts annual concerts at Peace Lutheran Church (Danville). Our guests also previewed the 2021 Hope Solutions’ Art & Poetry Community Project which offered a creative expression of “How do you know you are home?” through written word and art. The submissions were truly beautiful.
The night was co-hosted by Executive Director Deanne Pearn and our Resident Empowerment Program (REP) Leader, William Goodwin. To formally kick off our program, Pastor Henry L. Perkins, of First Baptist Church (Pittsburg) offered a heartfelt blessing. A true highlight of the evening was the inspirational video and greeting from our resident speaker, Alex. He shared his personal story about his family’s escape from abuse, his journey with his own young family, and his pathway toward growth and independence.
At the end of the event, we enjoyed our guests’ “selfies” submitted to our Virtual Red Carpet Photo Gallery and additional music from Yellow Brick Road Trio and Pacific Choir.
We are so grateful to the Board of Directors, Ruby Slippers committee, Hope Solutions’ staff, and to everyone who made the night such a smashing success.
Yours in Hope,
Deanne Pearn, Executive Director