Harford Family House hosts spring fundraising and networking event at La Banque de Fleuve to raise awareness of and funding for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Harford Family House, the largest provider of housing for families and unaccompanied young adults experiencing homelessness in Harford County, hosted its 5th Annual “AHOY! A Buoy of Hope for those Experiencing Homelessness” on Wednesday, May 19th from 5-8 p.m. outside, on the water at the beautiful La Banque de Fleuve at the Seaplane Base. The weather cooperated and everyone was excited to be able to gather in person at this scenic location right on the Susquehanna River.
Each year, the event has a theme and invites local community leaders to portray characters from the theme and raise money to help support families with children and unaccompanied young adults who are experiencing homelessness. The theme for 2021 was appropriate for the times and reflected the blended nature of many of the families served by Harford Family House- The Brady Bunch. Cast members included: Tory Pierce of Frederick Ward Associates, portraying Mike Brady, the family patriarch; Sheryl Davis Kohl of Beacon Staffing as his wife, Carol Brady; Lee Tayson of Liberty Mutual Insurance playing the part of oldest brother Greg; Larry Noto of Music Land Store as middle brother Peter; and Paul Majewski of Chesapeak Shredding and Bumble Junk, rounding out the brothers in his role as Bobby Brady. Playing the Brady girls were: Tricia Jablon, Jablon family CEO, in the role of the perfect oldest sister, Marsha; Sarah Klein of Klein’s ShopRite fittingly playing the role of the middle child, Jan; and Chrissy Dickerson of Harford Mutual Insurance Group as the “youngest one in curls”- Cindy Brady. The family would not be complete without Alice, portrayed for HFH by Mary Bullinger of Compass Home Group. Together, the cast raised enough funding to support one family for an entire year! Chrissy Dickerson was awarded the Buoy of Hope for raising the highest total of our cast members. “We are grateful for the support we have received from this year’s groovy cast,” says Harford Family House CEO, Robin Tomechko. “Harford Family House relies on the generosity of our community to provide services to our most vulnerable neighbors. Without champions such as this year’s Brady Bunch cast, we would not be able to continue helping those who need us most”.
Harford County Council President Pat Vincenti and his lovely wife Jeannie were the honorary chairs of the event this year. Kristy Breslin of WJZ and host of Harford Cable Network’s MagaScene added energy to the event as the emcee. Guests were able to participate in 3 raffles, bid on silent auction items, sample the signature “Brady Punch” drink, feast on lavish hors d’oeuvres and network with friends, old and new, all while enjoying the live music of Sam O’Hare and the scenic water views. Guests heard from Ashley Rosette, a current resident of Harford Family House. Ashley and her family had been living in a hotel room prior to coming to Harford Family House. She, her husband and their two boys are grateful for the support provided by HFH and the opportunity to make a fresh start.
The event was sponsored by La Banque de Fleuve at the Seaplane Base and catering was provided by MacGregor’s Seafood Restaurant. Desserts were provided by Newberry Café and Bakery and Sweet Treats by Jennifer Joy. Additional event sponsors included Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Everglaze, Increditek, Pax Edwards and many others.
“We are looking forward to being back here again next year”, Tomechko says. “Whether you were able to join us this year or not, save the date of May 18, 2022 for the next Ahoy!”
About Harford Family House (http://www.harfordfamilyhouse.org/)
Harford Family House, Inc. assists families with children and unaccompanied young adults achieve independency through housing, support and resources dedicated to improving the financial stability and mental wellbeing of its clients experiencing homelessness. It was established in 1989 and is the largest organization in Harford County providing services to those in Harford County who are experiencing homelessness.www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.