LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TONI JENNINGS TO SPEAK
AT 12TH ANNUAL HEARTS OF GOLD FUNDRAISER

ORLANDO, Fla. — (May 10, 2005) — The co-chairs of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 12th Annual Hearts of Gold fundraiser, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty and Pam Crotty, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy and Karen Dyer, announced today that Lieutenant Governor, Toni Jennings, will be an honored guest and speaker at this year’s event.

“The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is a tireless advocate for the homeless and has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of men, women and children,” said Lt. Governor Toni Jennings. “Because of the generosity of people throughout the region, the Coalition is able to provide clients with not only basic necessities – like food and shelter, but also the tools and resources to reconnect to society through education and job placement services.”

Hearts of Gold will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005 in the Linda Chapin Theater of the Orange County Convention Center. The reception and silent auction for sponsors and patrons will kick-off the night beginning at 6:00 p.m., after which, a show featuring a Walt Disney Production and concert by Paul Revere and the Raiders will entertain the more than 1,000 expected guests.


“The Coalition is the largest provider of homeless services in the area, and Hearts of Gold is our largest annual fundraiser,” said Doug Spencer, Chairman for the Coalition’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to have Lt. Governor Toni Jennings speaking at this year’s Hearts of Gold event. As Lieutenant Governor, she spends her time fighting for worthy causes every day; and we are very honored that she will be speaking to our guests at this year’s event.”

All of the proceeds from Hearts of Gold benefit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, a non-profit organization that addresses the needs of the homeless in the community by providing comprehensive programs to empower the homeless to become self-sufficient.

An increasing number of those who are homeless are women and children; in fact, one out of every four homeless clients served is a child. The Coalition not only provides food and shelter to the homeless, but also offers case management programs to help the homeless secure jobs, complete their education and develop life and family skills. In the most recent fiscal year, the Coalition served more than 380,000 meals and provided over 250,000 nights of shelter to homeless individuals

Jennings is the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Florida. In 1976, she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and subsequently went on to the Florida Senate, becoming the first and only two-term state Senate President. Jennings formerly chaired the Career Education Task Force and helped to implement the A+ Plan for education accountability. Currently, as Lieutenant Governor, Jennings works to advance the goals of expanding economic development, improving quality education and strengthening families.

For Hearts of Gold Ticket or Sponsorship information, call 407.426.1259.