Pasadena Fundraiser

Recently I was invited to attend a fundraiser for a non-profit group, Hoving Home, a faith-based residential facility serving women whose lives have been devastated by drug addiction, alcoholism, violence and prostitution.

The fundraiser was a bar-b-q dinner held on its Pasadena campus. About 300 people attended this outdoor function all-the-while enjoying a delicious meal provided by a local caterer. I listened to various speakers detailing the amazing work done to help transform the lives of women who were once characterized by desperation.

One speaker was a current “student” (as they are called) who gave an inspiring talk about how her life has been turned around. The students also performed some musical numbers. A raffle (including a 65” TV!) was then held to raise money.

Not being familiar with the organization, I subsequently did some research on Hoving Home and found it was founded in NY over 50 years ago. In 1984, they purchased a run-down hotel in Pasadena. After extensive renovation, the facility now serves the needs of up to 50 women who live on site while learning life skills in a structured one-year curriculum.

The ground floor contains a reception area, offices, a dining room and a commercial kitchen. The students’ rooms are on the upper two floors.

This 501c charity is also funded through tax-deductible private donations from churches, corporations and foundations. I was pleased to see that its finances are openly listed on Charity Navigator, a well-respected charitable giving web site.

If you are looking to donate your finances or your time to a reputable charity that has proved the test of time, I am sure they would welcome your inquiry at hovinghome.com