Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area Blog: Journey of Hope Gala

By Heidi Lai

Perhaps one of the most saddening aspects of this world today is the fact that there are many veterans unable to find a home. Instead, they are “crashing on relatives’ couches”, as Khoz Jivanjee will tell you. “A lot of veterans come back and they have some financial difficulties or hardships,” Khoz explains. That is why Habitat for Humanity held the Journey of Hope Gala on Friday, March 22, in the University Hall at the University of Redlands. “We really want to help this demographic.” Khoz was the event coordinator, and a previous volunteer and member of the Resource Development Committee for Habitat for Humanity.

The Gala was held to raise money for our veterans, so that their living situations could be improved. Although, this was only the second time the Journey of Hope Gala took place, it was a big hit amongst event guests. A total of 170 people attended this year’s Gala.

The night was spent in style. There was delicious food—provided by Bon Appetit—that included an elaborate, three-course meal, with the addition of a Hors d-oeuvre Station. The appetizers ranged from a triple layer crostini with hummus, olive tapenade, and tomato basil bruschetta; a breadbasket filled with orange walnut muffins, bacon cheddar biscuits, and ciabatta rolls; a salad with balsamic vinaigrette and honey poppyseed dressing; to avocado egg rolls with Thai dipping sauce and Asian slaw. As for the entrees, the food was nothing less than spectacular. The main dishes included a chicken francaise with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and a roasted spinach and Portobello mushroom stuffed with basil pesto. As for dessert, the delicious maple walnut cake did not disappoint. Besides all these mouth-watering dishes, there was also a full bar for the attendees’ enjoyment.

Asides from the delicious food, events of the night included a silent auction which was popular amongst all the evenings’ guests. The event was MC’d by Mayor of San Bernardino, Pat Morris; evening speakers included: San Bernardino County 5^th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales who delivered the Keynote speech; followed by Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coordinator, Melissa Conrad of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Lastly, Dennis Baxter, Rhea Stumm, and Maritza Solis presented on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Furthermore, Habitat volunteers Sara L. Long and Richard Ramirez were awarded at the Gala for their dedication and service to Habitat for Humanity, and the volunteer groups Starshine Treatment Center and Inland Empire Job Corps Center also received recognition. Live music was provided by Over Easy, a group made up of University of Redlands graduates.

This event was a great success and would not have been possible without our attendees and most of all, our event sponsors—Dr. Deborah Rada, Bank of America, and Citizens Business Bank. If you missed the Gala this year, come on out next year to join in on all the fun!

Check out the photos below! All photos provided by Tim G. Dull.