Gala Night: Dancing into our 70s

Neighborhood House launched into its 70th year with a successful annual gala at Discovery World, October 23, 2014. Together, table sponsors, auction donors, auction bidders, and participants raised over $100,000 in support of Neighborhood House children and families. Heartfelt thanks to Mark Baden for MC-ing the gala and for co-chairing the event with Joel & Audra Brennan. The continued support and personal involvement of presenting sponsors Drs. Arvind & Namrata Ahuja, and our anonymous platinum level donor, is especially appreciated.

Ed Richardson presented the Ray Richardson award to the US Forest Service for 10 years of collaboration; Jean Claasen accepted the award for USFS (see the shout-out on page 6 of the USFS national newsletter!). Board member Don Wallace awarded special recognition to chef Mark Weber of Mason St. Grill for 15 years of sharing his culinary talents, and over $75,000 raised on behalf of Neighborhood House. Chef Weber was among six area chefs who donated in-home dinners for auction, raising over $15,000 this year.

Neighborhood House participants and staff – including Montique Evans, Christina Hill, Crystal Custalow, Cing Suan Neam, and James Austin – spoke eloquently in support of Neighborhood House’s life-changing programs for children, working parents, refugees, and teens. Neighborhood House kids under the direction of Donte Merriweather helped us dance into our 70th anniversary year with a 70’s vibe.

Many thanks to Eric Ellis of Hupy & Abraham for event photos. We are grateful to all our generous event sponsors, including table sponsors: