It was definitely a “Black Ties & Boots” night as more than 350 people gathered at the Hotel Del Coronado, turning the iconic hotel into a wild western day’s for the Home of Guiding Hands 41st Annual Gala on June 6. With generous sponsors, a creative Gala committee and some help from some of East County’s intrinsic non-profits helping, this year’s theme brought a lot of hometown flavor to an elegant affair.
It was definitely a “Black Ties & Boots” night as more than 350 people gathered at the Hotel Del Coronado, turning the iconic hotel into a wild western day’s for the Home of Guiding Hands 41st Annual Gala on June 6. With generous sponsors, a creative Gala committee and some help from some of East County’s intrinsic non-profits helping, this year’s theme brought a lot of hometown flavor to an elegant affair.
Before hitting the ballroom, guest gathered in the outside promenade in the center of the hotel with live folk/bluegrass music, going through silent and live auction items, a whiskey-tasting bar and plenty of time to meet and greet before heading to the ballroom. The Hole in the Wall Gang, the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society volunteered time to greet guest and help create a greater atmosphere of a time back when, while 2015 Miss Rodeo Lakeside Amanda Hop and Jr. Miss Rodeo Taylor Finney, did what they do second best. Help raise money for the 1,000 infants, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities that HGH supports.
Moving into the ballroom, on each table, were a few of the many success stories resulting from the successful programs HGH offers. A touching video showed the heart and soul of the organization, the people that work there and the clients that work together creating a family of support.
Put this all together and still counting, the HGH, due to some generous supporters, sponsors and donors raised roughly $80,000 at its largest fundraiser of the year. Even the firefighters were auctioning their services for a homemade firehouse dinner party. The Mighty Untouchables greeted the crowd with its wide range of musical talents, and shortly after business of the evening concluded (raising that money through silent and live auctions, opportunity drawings and generous people pledging money), had the dance floor packed as it played songs from genres for the wide range of people attending the Gala. A fight broke out in the middle as the Hole in the Wall Gang pulled out all of its ammo for a traditional western gunfight.
All of this for the clients HGH serves every day of the rest of the year.
Even in the midst of a fun-filled entertaining evening, the cause remained forefront in helping HGH continue its multitude of services it provides for its clients. HGH’s programs range from Early Start, Respite, Independent Living, Transportation, Counseling and Family Support and Residential Services, HGH serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout San Diego and Imperial County.
HGH President/CEO Mark Klaus said that this annual fundraiser it its largest of the year.
“We couldn’t do it without our loyal sponsors, donors, Board members and hardworking committee,” he said.
There are more than 4.6 million people of all ages in the U.S. with intellectual or developmental disabilities, estimating one in six people affected in some way. HGH’s goal is to ensure it provides the services that can bring independence and quality of life to the clients they serve. To find more information about the services and programs that the Home of Guiding Hands provides and the several ways to help with donations visit www.guidinghands.org.
