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On May 6, 2010, more than 500 attendees gathered in Boston’s Two International Place for Heading Home’s HOUSEWARMING, our major annual fundraiser which unites Greater Boston’s finest chefs and restaurants with local business leaders and philanthropists to help Heading Home end homelessness for good. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Event Co-Chairs John and Mary Fowler and the significant contributions of event sponsors, the event raised more than $450,000!

The venue, with towering ceilings and a panoramic view of Boston’s waterfront provided an ideal space for networking and fundraising. Following opening remarks by Heading Home’s Executive Director Tom Lorello and Board Chair Nick Iselin, Event Co-Chairs John and Mary Fowler shared how they became involved with Heading Home and then introduced two Heading Home clients, Anacely Lebron and Maria Rivera, both mothers of young children. Ms. Lebron and Ms. Rivera delivered heartfelt speeches about their respective struggles with family homelessness, and how Heading Home’s unique services and able staff have helped them to persevere, gain new life and job skills, and achieve success and self-sufficiency. The stories of these remarkable young women resulted in a rousing standing ovation from more than 500 inspired attendees. After warmly thanking our guest speakers, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler handed the podium over to guest Auctioneer Dan McLaughlin, who engaged the attendees in a lively bidding battle for “priceless” items, including vacation getaways and sports event packages. Impromptu testimonials from long-time Heading Home champions Jon Davis and Phill Gross added to the auction’s spirit and success, helping us raise more than $50,000 in the live auction alone.

In addition, attendees collectively contributed nearly $20,000 to the Heading Home Registry. A listing of household items Heading Home clients need as they make the milestone move from shelter to a home setting, such as furniture, bedding, kitchenware, the Registry provides a menu of gift options of varying price points and is consistently popular with donors because of its ability to closely connect to our clients’ most pressing needs.

This event has a long tradition of strong, passionate leadership, those who both understand our community’s needs and are willing to engage the community at large. John and Mary Fowler are no exception, and we are extremely grateful for their countless contributions as 2010 HOUSEWARMING Event Co-Chairs.

Mr. Fowler, Executive Managing Director of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P, said, “Those of us in the real estate community understand the importance of providing the homeless with a combination of shelter and services so that they can ultimately lead independent lives. Mrs. Fowler added, “The current economic climate has created a tremendously difficult time for homeless families and individuals and for the organizations that support them. John and I are committed to making the Heading Home HOUSEWARMING a success so that we all can make a difference in the lives of the homeless.”

In addition, we are grateful to all event sponsors, including underwriters Adage Capital Management, Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P., and Alan & Sherry Leventhal, the event committee members, volunteers and attendees, and auctioneer Dan McLaughlin for donating his services. The participation of 16 of Greater Boston’s finest restaurants helped continue the HOUSEWARMING’s tradition as a “destination event” and we would also like to thank:

28 Degrees
Baker’s Best
The Butcher Shop
Eastern Standard
The Fireplace
The Floating Rock Restaurant
Grill 23 & Bar
Hamersley’s Bistro
MASA
Oishii
Pigalle
Redbones
Scampo
Stella
Sweet
The Upper Crust

The HOUSEWARMING event proceeds will directly benefit Heading Home’s mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing housing in conjunction with effective support services to help change the conditions that create homelessness.

Please visit Heading Home’s page on Facebook, where we have posted an album of additional photos of this memorable evening – and become a fan of Heading Home so you can receive regular updates on our services and upcoming events.