Darienites Help Shelter for the Homeless Raise $500K at Gala Benefit

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Bobby Valentine Diane Bosek Jim Bosek

From left: Board Vice Chairman Peter Rugen, emcee Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek and Board Chairman Jim Bosek (both of Darien). (photo by ChiChi Ubiña)

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The Shelter for the Homeless raised more than $500,000  on Friday, May 6 at its 15th annual “Rays of Hope” gala at the Italian Center of Stamford. Board Chair Jim Bosek of Darien spoke at the event.

Bobby Valentine Diane Bosek Jim Bosek

From left: Board Vice Chairman Peter Rugen, emcee Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek and Board Chairman Jim Bosek (both of Darien). (photo by ChiChi Ubiña)

The gala event, which was hosted by former Major League Baseball player and manager, Bobby Valentine, the money raised will support the essential services provided by Pacific House, the area’s only emergency men’s shelter, serving the communities of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and beyond.

This year’s event honored Patricia Phillips who co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago.  Phillips, a Stamford resident and chair emerita of the organization, exemplifies compassionate care for her community.

“We help to make these men whole again,” said Phillips, after receiving a standing ovation and thanking the crowd for supporting the event.  “This is money well spent,” she said.

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Board Chair Jim Bosek of Darien presented Patricia Phillips of Stamford with the Rays of Hope Award. Phillips co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago. (photo by ChiChi Ubiña)

The sentiment was echoed by Board Chair Jim Bosek, “Tonight is such an important night; it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised tonight mean the difference between being able to provide services throughout the year to the homeless in our community, and not being able to.”

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal attended the event, presenting Phillips with a certificate of recognition from the Senate thanking Phillips for her service.  “Thank you Pat Phillips for all your great service to our state and our nation,” said Blumenthal.

U.S. Sen Richard Blumenthal Shelter for the Homeless 5-14-16

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal attended the gala and presented Phillips with a certificate of recognition by the Senate, thanking Phillips for her service. (photo by Abi Roberts)

The highlight of the evening was a moving video presentation showcasing stories of former Pacific House clients who had turned their lives around thanks to the shelter and its services.  “I thank our community for being here for us, for giving so generously and for caring,” said Rafael Pagan Jr., the organization’s executive director.

It took many hands to make the evening a success, including a dedicated gala committee headed by Board Member Andrew M. Reid of Greenwich.

Shelter for the Homeless is grateful to all of its gala sponsors, especially corporate sponsors: First County Bank; First Niagara Foundation; Cantor Fitzgerald; Chilton Trust; GE Asset Management; Greenwich Hospital; BLT/Harbor Point; MetTel; Olympus Partners; Purdue Pharma, L.P.; Rimrock Capital Management; Steven Fox Jewelry; Weeden & Co.; Westfair Agency; Bleakley Financial  Group; Pitney Bowes; Renewal by Andersen; Thompson Reuters; Tradition Energy and US Trust, as well as individual sponsor, The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust, and media partner Moffly Media.

About Shelter for the Homeless

Sandi Mond Andrew Reid Natasha Muratov Shelter for the Homeless 5-14-16

From left: Sandi Mond and Gala Committee Chair Andrew M. Reid, both of Greenwich, with Natasha Muratov. (photo by ChiChi Ubiña)

Shelter for the Homeless is the only regional men’s emergency shelter, serving Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien and the rest of Fairfield County.  Since 1982 the organization has served 1 million meals, provided 800,000 bed-nights, secured housing for 1,500 people, and found employment for 3,000 clients.

The organization is an innovator in transforming lives and helping clients become more self-sufficient.  To learn more, or to make a donation, visit www.shelterforhomeless.org or call 203-406-0017.

Images to accompany release:

Blumenthal.jpg           

Caption:  U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal attended the gala and presented Phillips with a certificate of recognition by the Senate, thanking Phillips for her service. (photo by Abi Roberts)

 

Phillips_Bosek.jpg      

Caption: Board Chair Jim Bosek (of Darien) presented Patricia Phillips (of Stamford) with the Rays of Hope Award.  Phillips co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago.  Photo Credit: ChiChi Ubiña

 

Sandi Mond, Andrew Reid, Natasha Muratov.jpg     

Caption:  Left to right: Sandi Mond and Gala Committee Chair Andrew M. Reid, both of Greenwich, with Natasha Muratov.  Photo Credit ChiChi Ubiña

 

Peter Rugen, Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek, Jim Bosek.jpg

Caption:  Left to Right: Board Vice Chairman Peter Rugen, emcee Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek and Board Chairman Jim Bosek.  Photo Credit ChiChi Ubiña

 

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Caption:  Shelter Sustaining Partner, First County Bank.  Left to right: Debbie Anderson, Reyno Giallongo Jr., John Polera and Bruce Moore Sr.  Photo Credit Abi Roberts

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