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Helping Hearts 2020

“PILLARS OF SUPPORT”

17th Annual Ruth’s House Hearts Gala

Saturday, February 8, 2020

American Legion in Faribault

17th Annual Ruth’s House HEARTS GALA

The 17th Annual Ruth’s House Hearts Gala fundraiser was held Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the American Legion in Faribault. Over 300 people attended, enjoyed a Greek style dinner, and came together to support our house, literally and metaphorically through our Pillars of Support!

2020 Gala Speaker

Photo by Suzanne Rook

A former child resident, who is now grown with children of her own, spoke from her heart about how Ruth’s House helped her grow into the incredible woman, and mother she is today. With all your support, Ruth’s House is changing lives! We see lives changed every day in the women and children we serve! Thank you!

2020 FUND A NEED

A STRUCTURALLY SAFE SHELTER $40,000
$20,000 Matching Grant Secured from Pillars of Our Community
The six pillars on the front portico support the third floor of this historic building where we have resident rooms as well as educational and social areas. Over the past 125 years these wood pillars have rotted from the inside out and must be repaired.

SECURE OUR ANNUAL HUD GRANT $15,000
This is a WIN WIN WIN Raising $15,000 unlocks our annual $185,000 HUD Grant, which provides funding for our off-campus long-term Supportive Housing Program as well as funding staffing the shelter as a crisis management and resource center for these off-campus residents.

ENHANCED SECURITY AT THE SHELTER $50,000
Last year the Gala provided funds for installing secure, exterior doors. This year we have a few more important security items on our list that will enhance the existing  security of the building to protect the vulnerable women we shelter from domestic abuse.Funds received over and above these budgeted Fund a Need priorities will be used for the core support of Ruth’s House of Hope.

It took less than a minute of Fund A Need bidding to raise the $15,000 matching funds needed to secure our HUD Grant worth $185,000.

It was a party.
It was a great outpouring of support for Ruth’s House.

Our sincere thanks to everyone in the community who supported this event and who support Ruth’s House throughout the year.

Live Auction

Photo by Suzanne Rook

Live Auction

Silent Auction

Photo by Suzanne Rook

Silent Auction

Decorations

Photo by Suzanne Rook

Decorations

It’s the HEARTS GALA! Once again the Decorating Committee transformed the American Legion in Faribault into “Party Central” focusing on the Mediterranean theme using Greek pillars with gold, green, and yellow accents. Attendees dressed in their favorite, comfortable party clothes, sat with friends at the tables seating 8-10 people, and enjoyed a dinner matched to the Mediterranean theme.

Cake

Photo by Suzanne Rook

Dessert Table

The Dessert Auction

The Dessert Auction is a signature event at the Ruth’s House Gala. This artful display of tempting cakes, cookies, pies, and other sweets from local bakeries, as well as local home bakers, kicked off the evening’s activities. As the auction drew to a close the friendly bidding wars heated up until the lucky winners were declared. As is the custom, winners then shared their bounty with the rest of the people at their table. Since its inception the Dessert Auction has provided a significant portion of the monies raised during the Gala.

Heads or Tails

Photo by Suzanne Rook

Heads or Tails

New this year was the game Heads or Tails. Beads sold for $20 each. Each set entitled you to stay in the game until you guessed wrong–Heads or Tails. The more beads you bought–the better your chance of being the winner of the GRAND PRIZE.

2020 Gala Committee

2020 Gala Committee

Back Row, Left to Right: Suzzanne Fox, Brooke Vargason, Cassandra Cook-Quarry: Coordinator, Joyce Elsen, Ruth Hildebrandt, Jeanne Ullian, Isabell O'Connor, Chuck Budde
Front Row, Left to Right: Rose Leifeld-Brennan, Brenna Gardner, Casi Cross, Sherri Snow, Kari Boldt, Michelle Simpson, Sue Rodman, Ruth Hickey (not pictured)
A Sincere Thank You to the Gala Committee for sharing your time, talent and creativeness in making this event a wonderful success. You are amazing!

Hearts Gala 2020 Printed Materials