Annual Celebration Hearts of Gold Golf Challenge Taste of the Nation The 15th Annual Hearts of Gold Thirteen hundred people got their "Ticket to Paradise" as they rocked to the songs of Eddie Money on Thursday March 13, 2008 at Hard Rock Live, raising $200,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida at the 15th Annual Hearts of Gold event. Hearts of Gold is a major source of funding for the Coalition's programs and services throughout the year, especially important in light of the 650 homeless men, women and children the Coalition serves on an average night. Prior to the concert, hundreds of Central Florida's government, business, philanthropic, and elected leaders joined Coalition President/CEO Brent Trotter and Board notables, such as Chairman Brian Wilson and Vice Chairman Charles Tews, for elegant VIP sponsorship receptions in Hard Rock's famous Art Bar and elite Lennon Room. A silent auction of unique items, the raffle of an LCD television, Mistress of Ceremonies WKMG Local 6 news anchor Marla Weech, and the stirring story of a Coalition client who is on the road back to self-sufficiency through the agency's case-managed programs all combined to make this a truly distinctive evening. "I want to recognize the law firm of Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna and Ruffier, our title sponsor, whose very generous contribution helped make this event possible," stated Brent Trotter. "This socially responsible firm has believed in our mission and supported the Coalition's work for a number of years. I also want to express my thanks to our event sponsors: the Garcia Family Partnership, the City of Orlando, Hard Rock Live, Orlando Magazine, WKMG Local 6, MIX 105.1, and Sunny 105.9." Mr. Trotter welcomed several esteemed members of the Regional Commission on Homelessness and thanked City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty for their leadership of the Commission by saying, "Their commitment to this public/private partnership will move forward in addressing homelessness in our community." As a special feature, the Eddie Money concert was also open to the public at $27 per "concert-only" ticket, enabling a packed house to enjoy the music of this rock 'n roll icon and help support the Coalition for the Homeless. Money himself announced the total amount of money raised to benefit the Coalition, as balloons fell from the ceiling to signal a stellar 15th anniversary event. His "Shakin'" encore and the awaited drawing for a 42-inch LCD television, donated by Best Buy of East Colonial Drive, ended the event on a very high note.