Sept. 7, 2019
More than 400 donors, volunteers and community leaders gathered in support of Hillcrest Transitional Housing’s annual gala and auction on Thursday, August 22 at Arrowhead Stadium. This event is Hillcrest’s largest fundraiser of the year. It raised more than $175,000 for the programs and services Hillcrest provides to homeless families, individuals and youth.
“We are humbled by and grateful for the support of our community,” said Tom Lally, President and CEO. “The generosity displayed at our event is validation for the work that we do each day.”
Hillcrest provides transitional housing and other programs that combat homelessness by building the self-sufficiency of families, youth and individuals. Its flagship program is a 90-day timeframe in which clients receive rent- and utility-free housing. In exchange for housing, clients agree to follow program guidelines, find and maintain full-time employment, attend life skills classes, participate in community living, and strictly adhere to an “all needs, no wants” budget plan while paying down debts and building up savings. Last year, more than 315 families and individuals graduated Hillcrest’s program.
According to Lally, this year’s event was Hillcrest’s largest and most successful to date. Next year’s gala event will celebrate 20 years of raising funds for the organization.
“Our clients and their families have a bright future because Hillcrest’s programs are effective,” said Lally. “The community believes in our solution to homelessness.”
This year’s gala and auction was presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union and Data Systems International (DSI). Additional sponsors included First Federal Bank, GEHA, Speaks Memorial Chapel, Kapke Willerth Attorneys at Law, Church of the Ascension, Bordner Home Improvement, The Law Offices of Brian Meyers, Central Bank of the Midwest, Creative Planning, Allied International, and Commerce Bank.
Hillcrest welcomes the opportunity to give tours to donors and interested members of the community. In addition, there are always volunteer needs to be met at Hillcrest sites and at Hillcrest’s two thrift store locations.
“Our gala is a tremendous event that raises funds and awareness,” said Lally. “We want to continue that momentum day in and day out as we actively and regularly engage volunteers and donors in our work.”
Hillcrest serves youth, individuals, and families throughout the greater Kansas City region through its five residential sites in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and Jackson County in Missouri. Hillcrest also provides rapid re-housing throughout the Kansas City area and in Northwest Missouri. To learn more about Hillcrest Transitional Housing or support the organization’s work with a financial gift, visit www.hillcrestkc.org.
