Press Releases

16TH ANNUAL HEARTS OF GOLD RAISES
OVER $240,000 FOR HOMELESS

ORLANDO, Fla. — (April 30, 2009)—Over 2000 of Central Florida's government, business and philanthropic leaders and concert enthusiasts rocked to the music of REO Speedwagon at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida's 16th Annual Hearts of Gold event on Friday, April 24th. The event raised over $240,000 for the Coalition's programs and services throughout the year, ever more important as the number of homeless families with children increases.

"I want to recognize the law firm of Dellecker Wilson King McKenna and Ruffier, our title sponsor for the fifth straight year, whose very generous contribution helped make this event possible," stated Brent Trotter, President/CEO of the Coalition. "This community-conscious firm – which is rolling out its new logo tonight – continues to support the Coalition's work. I also want to thank our event sponsors: the Garcia Family Partnership, Hard Rock Hotel, the Orlando Sentinel, WMMO 98.9, and Orlando Magazine; and acknowledge the contributions of Hard Rock Live, Lakeridge Wineries, Schenck Company, IceMagic and Premier Beverage."

The event, at Hard Rock Live, featured elegant VIP sponsorship receptions in Hard Rock's famous Art Bar and elite Lennon Room, a Silent Auction of unique items, and a special concert by the REO Speedwagon. Mistress of Ceremonies 98.9 WMMO personality Elise Rossi and the stirring remarks by Lalita Booth, a formerly homeless young woman now headed to Harvard, combined to make this a truly distinctive evening.

As a special feature, the concert was also open to the public at $37 (standing) and $52 (seated) per "concert-only" tickets, enabling citizens region wide to enjoy the music of this classic band and help support the Coalition for the Homeless.

After the concert, Mr. Trotter had the privilege of announcing the amount of money raised as well as the raffle winner of an REO Speedwagon autographed guitar, ending the evening on a very high note.

The Coalition for the Homeless is the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida. This non-profit organization works to address the needs of the homeless in the community and serves as a catalyst for community collaboration to end homelessness by offering comprehensive case management programs to help the homeless become self-sufficient. In the most recent fiscal year, the Coalition served nearly 270,000 meals and provided over 234,000 nights of shelter to homeless individuals.

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