Pre-Gala Fundraiser Raises $80,000 to Support Harford Family House’s Upcoming “Horses for the Homeless” Event

On Thursday, May 15, at Liberatore’s Restaurant in Bel Air, members of Harford Family House’s Leadership Giving Circle hosted a pre-gala event to raise support for the non-profit’s 25th anniversary celebration, “Horses for the Homeless.” The upcoming event is scheduled for August 23, 2014 at Water’s Edge in Belcamp, Md.

The pre-gala event attracted 75 attendees and raised a total of $80,000, including Leadership Giving Circle donations, sponsorships, ticket sales for the August 23 gala and a $50,000 donation from Mountain Christian Church, presented by Senior Pastor Ben Cachiaras and Pastor Luke Erickson. Harford Family House has an anniversary year fundraising goal of $250,000.

“It was wonderful to be among so many community leaders who value the work of Harford Family House,” said Harford Family House Executive Director Joyce Duffy. “With enthusiasm running so high at the pre-gala, I can only imagine how spectacular the gala in August will be!”

During the pre-gala, co-host and Saxon’s Diamond Centers co-owner Lance Hersh remarked, “Harford Family House provided more than half of all the shelter bed nights in Harford County last year; they deserve our support.” Hersh recently partnered with Matt Rehak of Harford Financial Group, Richard Huffman of Celebree Learning Centers and Steve Smeltzer of Jones Junction to create the Leadership Giving Circle, a new funding group for Harford Family House that also hosted the pre-gala event.

Several notable Harford County leaders attended the event, including Director of Administration for Harford County Mary Chance, Delegate Glen Glass, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland Mark Furst, Maryland Senate Candidate Art Helton and his wife Ann, President of Klein’s ShopRite Andy Klein, trustees of the Dresher Foundation Ginny and Tony Meoli, owner and Vice President of Jones Junction Bryan Kilby, owners of The Mill of Bel Air Brenda and Henry Holloway, Harford County Chamber Executive Pam Klahr, 2014 Athena Award Winner and Association of Fundraising Professionals Honoree Dr. Mary Teddy Wray and co-owner of Saxon’s Diamond Centers Kevin Ferrell.