Homeless Families Benefit from the West Chester Charity Ball

On December 3, 2011, the West Chester Charity Ball sparkled. Beyond twinkling lights, glittering gowns and shining stars, the glow of generosity was illuminating. Consequently, the sparkling evening will lead to a brighter future for some needy neighbors.

Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children, a local agency working to end family homelessness, held the 23rd annual Ball at the West Chester Golf and Country Club. Thanks to an overwhelming response from businesses and community members, the event raised net profits of $124,000 for

Behind the lovely event, including live and silent auctions, was the tireless Charity Ball Committee – Seated from left: Stephanie Lantz, Pat Kimmel, Mary Cooke, Claudia Hutter. Standing from left : Lisa Kaplan, Darcie Goldberg, Michelle Tigue, Glenda Brion, Rose Marinelli, Val Jester, Marie Paxson.

Friends Association’s emergency family shelter and homeless prevention programs. More than 250 members of the community attended the Ball and listened to beautiful music provided by the Shaw String Quartet, followed by great dance music by the Tonebenders. The Country Club delighted guests with a sushi bar, a crab cake station and a variety of other delicious foods.

There were many generous sponsors of the Charity Ball this year, starting with the Presenting Sponsor, Buckley, Brion, McGuire, Morris & Sommer LLP. Forty additional sponsors in the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories gave a grand total of $95,000 to support Friends Association’s housing programs for homeless families. Friends Association is very grateful for this amazing support from the business leaders and individuals who join a community-wide team effort to address the serious issues of family homelessness.

Live and silent auctions at the Ball included beautiful hand-crafted items and opportunities for vacations and events. Competition drove excitement for popular items: a Wine and Food Pairing for 10 people contributed by John and Linda Braceland, accommodations for a one-week vacation in North Carolina, and a baseball bat autographed by Ryan Howard.

During the evening, Valerie Jester received the 2011 Friend of the Community Award for all the work she has done for the community. Val has been involved in many local fundraising events and served on the boards of agencies that provide needed programs and services to many people in Chester County. She chaired the West Chester Charity Ball for several years and continues to serve on the committee.

Proceeds of the event will fund Friends Association’s emergency family shelter for homeless families and homeless prevention programs in the community. With the goal of transitioning to stable housing, families may stay in the shelter for 60 to 90 days. While there, they gain access to community resources and get back on their feet financially and emotionally. Friends Association’s Homeless Prevention Program provides rental assistance and case management for families who are coming from a shelter or have been evicted. The agency also helps prevent homelessness whenever possible by working with landlords to prevent eviction.