On Saturday, May 11, 150 guests celebrated Circle of Hope's tenth anniversary at our third annual fundraiser, HOPE Blooms, at Needham Golf Club. The evening was full of great food, an incredible silent auction, and, most importantly, wonderful, generous people. We are proud to share that the event raised $120,000 to support the homeless children, women, and men we serve.
Honored guest Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley spoke about the crucial role Circle of Hope plays in helping homeless individuals and families in Greater Boston and MetroWest. We were honored to have her join us.
Circle of Hope presented Dr. Laurie Konowitz with the inaugural "Hope Award," honoring her dedication to homeless infants during her 30-year career as a remarkable neonatologist.
COH Executive Director Barbara Waterhouse (left) with Dr. Laurie Konowitz (right)
Drs. Laurie and Paul Konowitz established The Newborn Fund at Circle of Hope to support and expand our Welcome Baby Program. Launched in April, The Newborn Fund at Circle of Hope has already raised more than $25,000! These funds will help homeless newborns in Circle of Hope's partner shelters and clinics get a strong and healthy start.
We are grateful to everyone who supported HOPE Blooms by sponsoring, donating, or attending the event. Last year, we provided clothing and necessities to 6,600 homeless infants, children, women, and men - a 20% increase over the previous year. This winter alone, we also provided 5,500 winter coats to people experiencing homelessness. You, our incredible supporters, made this possible.
Thank you to our dedicated event committee and Circle of Hope Board for all of the energy and enthusiasm you put into HOPE Blooms. Thank you to Rep. Pressley for your time and your inspiring words. Thank you to Drs. Laurie and Paul Konowitz for establishing The Newborn Fund and continuing to help homeless babies. Thank you Four Seasons Greenery for the beautiful floral arrangements. And thank you to our HOPE Blooms 2019 sponsors for making this amazing evening possible:
Charles River Apparel, Presenting Sponsor
Betsy & Bruce Amsbary | Amstar Group | Myra & John Anderson | Jodie & Frank Apeseche | Beaumont Capital Management | Linda Borman | Betsy & Eric Cohen | Dedham Savings | Donna & Michael DeFuria | Louise & Peter Donovan | Sarah & Christopher Escobedo Hart | Four Seasons Greenery | Emily Goode | Pamela & Bruce Goody | Jill & Jeremy Grossman | Susan & Ron Halpern | Hartney Greymont | Honey Dew Donuts | Marla & Bill Kannel | Lizbeth & George Krupp | Suzanne & Dave Lissy | Longmeadow Group | Peggy Lowenstein & Steve Berez | Wendy & David Lustbader | Mainsale Management | Needham Bank | Carolyn & Dana Pope | Alan Reese | Christine & Kevin Ruddy | Rosemarie & Jeff Rudin | Jeannie & Phil Shapiro | SharkNinja | Dale & Peter Sinesi | Anya & Corey Thomas | Trisha & Rob Ticktin | Tieso Family | Barbara & Jay Waterhouse | Judy Waterhouse | Wegmans | Anne Welch & Stephen McMillan | Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation | Wells Fargo
Together, we are building a brighter future for homeless children and adults in Boston and Metro West. THANK YOU!
