Hope House puts new focus on fundraiser

Fashion may change over the years, but hope never goes out of style – that’s what organizers of the Hope House annual fundraiser believe.

The Downtown Women’s Shelter opened in 1999. In 2001, Volunteers of America took over operations, and the women who use the shelter renamed it Hope House.

For 16 years, supporters staged a celebrity fashion show as their fall fundraiser.

“Members of law enforcement and local celebrities were the models,” said Sarah Howard, communications director for VOA. “It was a lot of fun.”

However, Howard said, “When it comes right down to it, we’re not a fashion house. While the people who came were fashion-conscious, they were also socially conscious.”

This year, in order to reflect that social conscience, the fashion show has been scrapped in favor of a program that will feature speakers from Hope House and Crosswalk – people who’ve directly benefited from these shelters.

In addition to changing the focus from fashion to compassion, the luncheon is now free, but donations are encouraged. Instead of a fall clothing preview, attendees will learn more about Hope House and Crosswalk and the people they serve.

There will still be some fashion components like a raffle for items from Pounders Jewelry and Jewelry Design Center, and since the event is on Oct. 30, Halloween fun will be incorporated, as well.

By focusing more on the mission rather than fashion, Howard said she hopes the community will be inspired when they see what their support accomplishes.

It’s support that’s vitally needed.

“Shelters give our most vulnerable people a safe place to be at night,” said Marilee Roloff, Crosswalk founder and president and CEO of VOA. “Crosswalk and Hope House are places for kids and women to connect to housing and health services. Although temporary, shelters are the closest thing to home for many people – and they literally keep people alive.”

Howard said the annual event can raise up to one-third of the shelters’ operating costs.

“That’s what the money is for,” she said. “That’s where the hope is needed.”