Melissa Osika, member of the FAWN Committee, opened the ceremonies by reminding people why they were there, stating, “Our commitment is more than raising money or putting on a fun evening. It’s the sense of humility we get when we realize the impact we can have on people’s lives.”
Osika shared some personal stories of women whose lives FAWN and Housing Opportunities touched, mentioning “Sherry, who was battling depression was on the verge of homelessness, Bree, who with her three daughters was on the brink of joblessness and homelessness ,and Markitta who came to Opportunity Housing services from an intolerable living situation." These are just a few of the women Osika mentioned who, with the help of Opportunity Housing, were able to receive life skills, temporary housing, and eventually permanent housing.
One goal of Opportunity Housing is "To break the cycle of homelessness by providing preventative and crisis services from foreclosure prevention to housing for the homeless. Housing Opportunities feels they are Northwest Indiana’s premier provider of housing hope."
Caroline Shook, Chief Executive Officer of Housing Opportunities, presented awards for excellence for outstanding volunteers with the Angel Awards. One Angel Award went to the FAWN Committee members. Accepting the award were June Wilson and Carol Loesche. On the committee along with Osika, Wilson and Loesche are Cindy Finley, Dawn McNulty, Julia Hess, Marlene Bartholomew, Nancy Tittle, Norma Granath, Rene Martin and Suzi Toadvine. Receiving the second Angel Award was Pat Bodensteiner for being an exceptional volunteer.
This year, the Fred McNulty Volunteer of the Year Award went to Tim Rice. Rice is on the Board of Directors for Housing Opportunities and received the award for his effort, time, and overall involvement with Housing Opportunities.
This was an evening of fun as well, offering a fashion show with the latest trends, colors and styles for the season. Donna Phelps, owner of Valparaiso’s Seasons on the Square, announced the fashions being presented by Laurie Zimmer, owner of Beyond Pink, David Shurr owner of David’s Menswear, and of course Phelps with her Seasons on the Square.
Phelps not only introduced the gorgeous models, but let everyone know what was going to be the latest in fashion for this season, saying, “You are going to see purples, greys, rusts and reds. Animal prints are still strong, plaids continue to show.” She also included, “Basics always dominate, make sure to have feminine blouses, cardigans, daytime dresses, and jeans. Jeans still rule the world. Make sure to have a coat that makes a statement and of course that little black dress.”
FAWN’s Annual Fashion Show is just one reminder of how important Housing Opportunities is for our community. Osika stated that in the three years that FAWN has partnered with Housing Opportunities, they have raised over $91,000 with Housing Opportunities receiving matching federal grants 3 to 1 which means, they were awarded $310,000.
FAWN wants to make sure Housing Opportunities is a resource for women and children to receive assistance during some of life’s most difficult circumstances. If you would like to learn more about Housing Opportunities, visit www.housing-opportunities.com.
A special thank you from FAWN and Housing Opportunities for all the silent auction donors and bidders, Hattie Smith Interior Designs for the gorgeous decorations provided, and to the sponsors for which the event was made possible, including: Porter-Starke Services, Inc., Porter Health Systems, Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS, Christian Schwerd, Task Force Tips and many many more.