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Ray Of Hope Gala In Stamford Raises $500K To Help Homeless Shelter

STAMFORD, Conn. – The Shelter for the Homeless hosted its 15th Annual Rays of Hope Gala at the Italian Center of Stamford on Friday, which raised more than $500,000 to support the essential services provided by Pacific House. 

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) attended the 15th Annual Rays of Hope Gala and presented Patricia Phillips with a certificate of recognition by the Senate, thanking Phillips for her service.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) attended the 15th Annual Rays of Hope Gala and presented Patricia Phillips with a certificate of recognition by the Senate, thanking Phillips for her service.

Photo Credit: Abi Roberts
Board Chair Jim Bosek (of Darien) presented Patricia Phillips (of Stamford) with the Rays of Hope Award. Phillips co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago.

Board Chair Jim Bosek (of Darien) presented Patricia Phillips (of Stamford) with the Rays of Hope Award. Phillips co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago.

Photo Credit: ChiChi Ubiña
Left to right: Sandi Mond and Gala Committee Chair Andrew M. Reid, both of Greenwich, with Natasha Muratov.

Left to right: Sandi Mond and Gala Committee Chair Andrew M. Reid, both of Greenwich, with Natasha Muratov.

Photo Credit: ChiChi Ubiña
Left to Right: Board Vice Chairman Peter Rugen, emcee Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek and Board Chairman Jim Bosek.

Left to Right: Board Vice Chairman Peter Rugen, emcee Bobby Valentine, Diane Bosek and Board Chairman Jim Bosek.

Photo Credit: ChiChi Ubiña
Shelter Sustaining Partner, First County Bank. Left to right: Debbie Anderson, Reyno Giallongo Jr., John Polera and Bruce Moore Sr.

Shelter Sustaining Partner, First County Bank. Left to right: Debbie Anderson, Reyno Giallongo Jr., John Polera and Bruce Moore Sr.

Photo Credit: Abi Roberts

Pacific House is the area’s only emergency men’s shelter, serving the communities of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and beyond.

The event, which was hosted by former Major League Baseball player and manager Bobby Valentine, honored Patricia Phillips, who co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago. Phillips, a Stamford resident and chair emerita of the organization, was commended for her compassionate care for her community.

“We help to make these men whole again,” said Phillips, after receiving a standing ovation and thanking the crowd for supporting the event. “This is money well spent."

The sentiment was echoed by Board Chair Jim Bosek. “Tonight is such an important night; it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised tonight mean the difference between being able to provide services throughout the year to the homeless in our community, and not being able to,” said Bosek.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) attended the event, presenting Phillips with a certificate of recognition by the Senate thanking Phillips for her service.

The highlight of the evening was a video presentation showcasing stories of former Pacific House clients who had turned their lives around thanks to the shelter and its services.

“I thank our community for being here for us, for giving so generously and for caring,” said Rafael Pagan Jr., the organization’s executive director. It took many hands to make the evening a success, including a dedicated gala committee headed by Board Member Andrew M. Reid of Greenwich.

Shelter for the Homeless is the only regional men’s emergency shelter, serving Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien and the rest of Fairfield County. Since 1982, the organization has served 1 million meals, provided 800,000 bed-nights, secured housing for 1,500 people and found employment for 3,000 clients.

Click here for more information about Shelter for the Homeless. 

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