CONNECT | The Coalition

connect T H E

C O A L I T I O N

ROCKING WITH A PURPOSE

*

Hearts of Gold is a $210,000 Success

in this issue

Client Stories 17th Annual Doug Spencer Golf Challenge

|

S P R I N G

2 0 1 3

FROM OUR family TO YOURS

IT’S SPRING! And though we have had a rather chilly start, I assure you that is not a reliable predictor of what is to come in sunny Central Florida.

I love spring. It is the time when all of nature seems to wake up from its winter slumber. Some people see New Year’s Day as the time to make resolutions or lifestyle changes; but I see spring that way. The season brings change, growth, life...and transformation, if you will.

This is a particularly significant spring at Coalition for the Homeless for our clients, supporters and staff alike. In addition to celebrating the successful 20th Anniversary Hearts of Gold and preparing for the 17th Annual Doug Spencer Golf Challenge on April 19, we are watching our new Men’s Service Center (MSC) rise out of the ground...coming closer to full bloom each day. Very soon, the lives of homeless men will be transformed by way of the array of services that will be available to them as never before. And as we enhance the way we address the homeless male population in Central Florida, our community will be changed for the better as well.

While we await the changes the Men’s Service Center will bring, we continue to offer hope and cultivate growth for those in our current programs. I invite you to read the pages that follow to learn our latest news and share in the Patrick and Rosa families’ reasons to shout about spring 2013.

Brent A. Trotter President/CEO

IN MEMORY OF

TONY WORLDS With deeply saddened hearts, Coalition staff and residents celebrated the life of Assistant Pavilion Manager Tony Worlds.

Tony had a long and distinguished career helping people. Joining the Coalition nearly 10 years ago, he enjoyed serving and making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Tony was most known for his relentless work ethic; his great humor; charming smile; and his love for basketball, football, and his family.

Tony has truly made the Coalition a better place. He will be greatly missed!

17th annual doug spencer

golf challenge rab your clubs and lace up your golf shoes for a marathon of a golf tournament!

Experienced golfers – and those not so experienced – are all welcome!

Supporting Coalition for the Homeless has never been so much fun!

By joining this challenge you will be taking an important step in helping Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida provide for your homeless neighbors in need!

There’s more than one way to participate:

1 2 3 4

Please join us April 19, 2013 at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club for the 17th Annual Doug Spencer Golf Challenge - and help us raise funds to support the men, women and children who call the Coalition “home” each night.

Become a golfer – or send someone on your behalf Support the event through a sponsorship Advertise as a Hole Sponsor for just $250 Don’t golf, but want to help?

DONATE TODAY!

Visit our website or contact Tracie Morris, Director of Development, at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org for more information.

friday, april 19, 2013

success story Robert and Erica arrived at Coalition for the Homeless with their four children, having lost their jobs. Though discouraged by this setback, they realized it was just that – a difficult time they could overcome.

“They have truly worked a case-managed plan and achieved the goals they set.”

thank you Coalition President/CEO Brent Trotter and Board Chair Tim Baker accepted this giant $220,000 check from Wells Fargo Regional President of Central Florida, Larisa Perry. The generous donation will go towards services for homeless veterans in our upcoming Men’s Service Center (MSC). City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined in the festivities. Visit CentralFloridaHomeless.org to find a list of our other wonderful MSC investors and available naming opportunities!

As part of the Coalition’s Center for Women and Families (CWF) program, the couple meets with their case manager on a weekly basis. Together, they have identified their barriers and developed a self-sufficiency plan.

Robert and Erica were referred to Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, one of our onsite partners, to receive employment assistance. There, Erica improved her interviewing skills. Likewise, the duo increased their knowledge of technology by taking Quickbooks, Excel, and Outlook classes at the library.

Within three weeks of following their case plan, Robert was hired by Disney in cruise line sales. He has demonstrated his value as evidenced by several awards from customer feedback.

Soon after Robert was hired, Erica obtained employment as well! Originally applying for a position as an office assistant, her talent was recognized and rewarded by instead being hired as an office manager.

In light of Robert and Erica’s hard work and perseverance, Goodwill recently honored them as the HSN Achievers of the Year!

“The Rosas are such a deserving family.

Talk about hard workers. They have truly worked a case-managed plan and achieved the goals they set,” shared Roxanne Beardmore, our Director of the CWF.

patrick family Al and his two children, Chloe and Sean, are former residents of the Coalition. We recently received an email from Al that we felt must be shared with you all…

Dear Mr. Trotter, Coalition employees, and volunteers, Back in December, my daughter Chloe received the best gift that a 12-year-old could ever get – a four-year college scholarship from the Orange County Take Stock In Children – Valencia College scholarship program!

This scholarship wasn’t just given to Chloe, though. It was the result of hard work and a lot of drive, with some pushing from me.

“If it were not for your supporters giving their time and resources and for the dedicated employees at the Coalition, my children – like other homeless children – would have lost hope for the future.”

In addition, if it were not for the Coalition’s employees, volunteers, and other supporters that made our stay there more bearable by helping us keep continuity and stability, this scholarship would not have been possible.

Please allow me to go back in time a little…

I am a retired Houston Fire Fighter on an in-the-line of duty disability pension. Several times as a fire fighter, I sustained crippling injuries. Each time, I recovered enough to make it back to the station house…until my last injury, from which I didn’t recover.

When Sean and Chloe’s mom and I were separated, they chose to live with me because of my health, physical disabilities, and mental disabilities.

My children attend Howard Middle School for the Performing Arts and are both in 7th grade. In addition to their regular

grants $200,000 and over Wells Fargo Foundation $50,000-$74,999 The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a fund of the McCormick Foundation $30,000-$49,999 Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation

classes, Sean is in intermediate guitar and aviation and Chloe is enrolled in AVID, dance, and acting classes. Chloe is an honor roll student.

Sean, not to be outdone by Chloe, shines in his own way.

This week, he received Student of the Month and was nominated for Most Improved Student of the Month. He also received a Good Citizenship award.

Because of everyone at the Coalition, Sean and Chloe have been able to continue their out-of-school activities, such as Sean’s involvement with baseball and Chloe’s involvement with the downtown Boys and Girls Club and Girl Scouts.

If it were not for your supporters giving their time and resources and for the dedicated employees at the Coalition, my children – like other homeless children – would have lost hope for the future.

Many of you probably don’t realize the big difference that you make in the lives of the homeless, especially the children.

With tears in my eyes, Sean, Chloe, and I want to give everyone our sincere, heartfelt thanks.

Chloe’s dream of going to college and becoming a veterinarian can now become a reality!

Sincerely, Al Patrick

$10,000-$19,999 Jack Holloway Foundation The JC Foundation Westgate Resorts Foundation Winn-Dixie Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Richard M. Scrushy Foundation The Beamish Family Charitable Fund The Chatlos Foundation $1,000-$4,999 Schwab Charitable Fund Seneff Family Foundation The Martin Andersen – Gracia Andersen Foundation

HEARTS

OF GOLD 20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT RAISES OVER $210,000

lose to 1,400 of Central Florida’s government, business and philanthropic leaders, and concert enthusiasts rocked to the music of Southern Rock classic 38 Special at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida’s 20th Anniversary Hearts of Gold event on Friday, March 1 at Hard Rock Live. Presented by Bright House Networks, the event raised over $210,000 for the Coalition’s programs and services throughout the year, ever more important as the number of homeless families with children increases.

“For 20 years, we have enjoyed coming together with our friends and neighbors in Central Florida to rock with a purpose,” said Coalition President/CEO Brent A. Trotter. “As an organization, we have just celebrated 25 years in this community and without the folks in this room – especially our sponsors – the work we continue to do would not be possible.”

Trotter thanked and welcomed to the stage presenting sponsor Bright House Networks’ Vice President & General Manager of the Orlando Region, Michelle Champagne, who expressed the company’s strong support for the Coalition’s work; as well as Tony Sarcomo, Hard Rock’s Florida Regional Director of Operations, who celebrated their longstanding partnership with the Coalition on this event. Trotter also expressed appreciation to major event sponsors Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Walt Disney

World, and Hilton Grand Vacations; as well as other Supporting and Community sponsors. He highlighted the evening’s media sponsors WFTV Channel 9 Family Connection and 1059 Sunny FM, with particular thanks to DJ Domino, emcee for the evening.

In addition to the 38 Special concert, the event featured an All-Access VIP reception in Hard Rock’s elite Lennon Room and a Special Reception, both complete with hors d’oeuvres and beverages; a Silent Auction of unique items, such as two Park City ski vacations with Hilton Grand Vacation accomodations and round-trip airfare on Southwest Airlines; a chance drawing for two Jet Blue tickets; the opportunity to “Text to Give” to the Coalition via one’s mobile phone; and much more.

The concert was open to the public and concert-only tickets ranged from just $27.50 to $65.00, enabling citizens region-wide to enjoy 38 Special’s Southern Rock and help support Coalition for the Homeless.

639 West Central Boulevard Orlando, FL 32801 407.426.1250 CentralFloridaHomeless.org

Leaving a legacy of hope and opportunity today for a brighter future for many generations to come

planned giving IRA Charitable Rollover is Back!

If you are looking for the most tax-effective gift to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, you can once again help others with Tax-Free gifts from your IRA! The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, passed by Congress this past December, extended the IRA charitable rollover provision until December 31, 2013. This provision allows tax-free distributions to eligible charities of up to $100,000 per taxpayer per year from an IRA held by someone age 70½ or older.

Discover the Benefits of Giving Wisely Did you know there are many creative ways to support the Coalition? Ways in which you, your loved ones, and the Coalition all benefit at the same time! These giving techniques are called “Planned Gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for yourself and Coalition for the Homeless.

For example, you can: • • • •

Make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime.

Give stock and realize larger tax savings.

Get a monthly paycheck for life in return for your gift.

Donate your house, continue to live there, and get a tax break all at the same time.

We Can Help You...

• • • •

Identify your philanthropic goals.

Discover gifts anyone can make.

See how gifts can provide you an income.

Explore gifts that protect assets.

Making a planned gift is one of the best ways to support our community. Planned gifts allow donors to make a significant impact on those in need over an extended period of time, while taking advantage of many benefits, including: • • • •

Fulfilling charitable goals.

Designing a charitable gift to reflect special interests.

Reducing taxes.

Increasing income.

Please Note: Planned Gifts consist of legal documents.

Consult with your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor.

For more information: Lisa Hicks | Vice President of Philanthropy 407.872.5791 Lisa.Hicks@cflhomeless.org