An unforgettable night of generosity, storytelling and community spirit brings hope to thousands across the nation.
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – An Evening of Hope Gala dazzled under the stars Oct. 16 as 740 guests raised more than $1 million to benefit the Hope through Housing Foundation’s programs for children, families and seniors in need.
The total included a record-setting $112,000 in a first-ever paddle raise, a powerful show of generosity that brought the event’s Finding Hope theme to life by fueling programs that provide stability, opportunity and renewed hope for residents of affordable housing communities.
Hope through Housing serves residents of more than 110 affordable housing communities in California, Texas and Florida with an array of programs, including intensive services for residents who have faced homelessness. The group was founded in 1998 in Southern California.
“The gifts made tonight will ripple through thousands of lives,” Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said. “This record generosity will directly expand after-school programs, senior wellness initiatives and stability services across three states.”
The gala was hosted by National CORE, one of the nation’s leading developers of affordable housing, and emceed by actress and advocate Gabrielle Walsh, who brought both warmth and star presence to the celebration.
Guests were welcomed with the debut of the Stories of Hope Gallery, an immersive video museum featuring eight inspiring stories of residents whose lives have been transformed through the stability of National CORE housing and the services of Hope through Housing.
Entertainment included Citrus College’s Blue Note Swing Band, which performed jazz standards throughout the evening, and the Citrus Singers Choir, which opened the program with a stirring rendition of You Will Be Found.
Donors, volunteers and residents also took to the stage to share personal stories of their connection to Hope through Housing’s mission.
The evening also honored six individuals and organizations for their partnership and commitment to National CORE and Hope through Housing:
- Housing Advocate of the Year: Marina Wiant, executive director of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) and the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC)
- Daniel R. Fauske Founders Award: Affordable housing champion Frank Williams, who has supported National CORE’s pursuit of affordable housing in California and Florida
- Community Partner of the Year: The Rauch Family Foundation, which supports global health initiatives, disaster relief and Inland Empire health access and equity.
- Volunteer Group of the Year: Verve Community, an Inland Valley religious organization that provides back-to-school and holiday support for families
- Financial Partner of the Year: Red Stone Equity Partners, which has provided critical financial backing for rehabilitation of California communities and the construction of new communities in Texas and Florida
- The Olen Jones I Am Hope Award: Marisela Gerez, a National CORE regional director of property management who has served the company for more than 16 years
“An Evening of Hope is about celebrating the courage of our residents and the compassion of our community,” National CORE Co-Founder and Chairman Jeffrey S. Burum said. “This year, we witnessed something extraordinary — a community coming together to change lives and build hope for thousands of families.”