Press Releases

Hearts of Gold Event Raises over $226,000 for Homeless

ORLANDO, Fla. — (June 8, 2007)—Over 1400 people rocked to the songs of Little River Band last night at Hard Rock Live, raising over $226,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida at the 14th Annual Hearts of Gold event. Hearts of Gold is a major source of funding for the Coalition's programs and services throughout the year, ever more important as the number of homeless women, children, and families increases.

Immediately prior to the concert, hundreds of Central Florida's government, business and philanthropic leaders joined Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for elegant VIP sponsorship receptions in Hard Rock's famous Art Bar and elite Lennon Room. A silent auction of unique items; Mistress of Ceremonies WKMG Local 6 news anchor Marla Weech; the first-ever airing of a stirring new Coalition video; and the introduction of a mom and son who have benefited from the Coalition's educational, job training, and children's programs all combined to make this a truly distinctive evening.

"I want to recognize the law firm of Dellecker, McKenna, Wilson, King and Ruffier, our title sponsor, whose very generous contribution helped make this event possible, " stated Brent Trotter, President/CEO of the Coalition. "This community-conscious firm has believed in and supported the Coalition's work for a number of years. I also want to express my thanks to our event sponsors: Courtesy Acura, Hilton Grand Vacations, Hard Rock Live, Orlando Leisure, Spirit Airlines, WKMG Channel 6, and WMMO 98.9."

As a special feature, the Little River Band concert was also open to the public at $27 per "concert-only" ticket, enabling a packed house to enjoy the music of this time-honored band and help support the Coalition for the Homeless.

For the fourth year in a row, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his wife Karen, and Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and his wife Pam came together to raise money for this event. "Nearly 200 children call the Coalition home each night...and their average age is eight years old," stated Mayor Dyer. "It's sobering. Your support of tonight's event is not only appreciated; it is crucial to providing the Coalition's children's programs."

"At Orange County, we're proud to mark our 18th year of partnership with the Coalition, " noted Mayor Crotty. "I am particularly proud of the LifeStrides Classroom, where Orange County Public Schools provides Coalition residents and the local community with access to over 200 life-changing adult education programs."

After the concert, Coalition for the Homeless Board Chairman Fred Kittinger had the privilege of announcing the amount of money raised to benefit the Coalition's critical programs and services.

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 more than 300,000 meals and provided over 227,000 nights of shelter to homeless individuals.

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