There's No Place Like Home 2010
Co-chair Paul Williams, host Heather Holmes, FPFY Board Chair Cassandra Benjamin,
Co-chair Dana Kirby, FPFY CEO Sam Cobbs
There’s No Place Like Home gala raises over $215,000 to support
vulnerable foster youth
On Friday May 7th, 400 guests converged at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco for the 12th annual There's No Place Like Home gala. Hosted by KTVU's Heather Holmes, the event raised $215,000 to benefit youth aging out of foster care.
Guests bid on unique auction items and met Youth Ambassadors, First Place for Youth program participants who have overcome obstacles and are reaching for their dreams. The Community Hero Award was presented to Leigh Anne Tuohy, the real life inspiration behind the film
The Blind Side for bringing the plight of foster youth to the nation’s consciousness. In her speech, Leigh Anne challenged us to make a difference in our community on behalf of foster youth.
The most poignant moment of the evening was the keynote speech delivered by Brioni Harris, a First Place alumna. Brioni told her powerful story of being born prematurely and put into foster care as a baby after she endured neglect by her mother. Growing up in foster care, she still endured verbal and physical abuse that culminated in her being kicked out of the only home she ever knew. Sadly, for Brioni, living in her car seemed a better option than pleading to move back to that home. During this time, she was hired on at First Place as a Peer Educator and with encouragement from staff, she accepted help through our two-year supportive housing program. While giving her speech, Brioni beamed when she talked about how much she grew at First Place and how once the pressure of rent was removed, she was able to focus on her job and her studies. The crowd gave her a standing ovation when she announced that she is graduating with her AA in Psychology this month and her BA from Cal State East Bay next June.
Thanks to our FRIENDS for your ongoing support!
Special Thanks to Ever jazz trio, Periscope Cellars, our 30 Youth Ambassadors and our Event Committee: Chair Paul Williams, Co-Chair Dana Kirby, Sandy Baker, Barbara Bennett, Lois Corrin, Julie Cote, Michelle Ellison, Warren Howard, James Kennedy III, Bunny Moeller, Paulette Moore, Patty Roth, Ken Sommer
FPFY Youth Ambassadors Bobby, Matt and Bryant