Robed in Love

Fourth Annual “Robed in Love” 

This unique breakfast event aims to show appreciation and recognize supporters and volunteers of The Neighborhood Center’s mission to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and prevent homelessness. Guests are invited to wear their favorite cozy robe (over business attire) to symbolize the need for everyone to access a safe and secure place to call home.

The Neighborhood Center’s leadership team is excited to announce this year’s award recipients.

Our prestigious Love Local Award recipient is Gery Walker. This award recognizes Gery for her tireless efforts and exemplary character in inspiring others to support the Neighborhood Center. Gery established Wine to Water, the nonprofit organization’s largest annual fundraising event, and she has served in several roles on the Board of Directors for more than ten years.

Also presented will be two Humble Heart Awards, one for an individual and one for a group, to those that exemplify a passion for making a difference through dedicated volunteerism and community support. The team selected Mary Gates because of her consistent and sincere love for making a difference through dedicated financial giving, volunteerism, and her influence on social media. And the First United Methodist Church of DeLand’s Mercy Hour and Interfaith Kitchen Mission teams for the impact they make by volunteering weekly at the Bridge shelter. These mission teams provide showers, haircuts, meals, and other services for unsheltered and sheltered individuals who visit or live at the Bridge.

The Ed Lacey Big Heart Award, named in honor of our most significant financial partner, is awarded for consistent and unrestricted financial giving, allowing us to meet our client’s greatest needs and benefits. This year’s recipient is Saint Peter Catholic Church, chosen for its financial support throughout the years and its commitment to providing and serving monthly meals at the Bridge shelter.

Guests attending the event will also enjoy a catered breakfast and inspiring speakers: Rajni Shankar-Brown, President of the National Coalition for the Homeless & Ph.D. Professor and Endowed Chair of Social Justice Education, Stetson University, will be the keynote speaker addressing the effects of domestic violence on homelessness. The Neighborhood Center employees Kimberly Noel and Michael Elliott will share their stories of overcoming homelessness and addiction.

“We are so excited to have the community come together to honor the incredible work of our volunteers and donors that helps us achieve our mission,” states Savannah-Jane Griffin, Chief Executive Officer. “We could not do what we do without the incredible support we receive from our community. We encourage you to purchase a ticket and bring a friend, the speakers we have lined up, and the individuals that we’ll be honoring will leave everyone inspired.”

The team also has a few surprises planned to lighten up the morning. The event begins promptly at 8 am at the Sanborn Center, 815 South Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL 32724.

Tickets are $25 per person, and a few sponsorship opportunities are available. Order Tickets  

Proceeds from the event will benefit Permanent Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors. If you cannot attend but would like to support the cause, donations of any amount are helpful. Donate or Sponsor

Check out this video below from last year’s Robed in Love Breakfast Awards!

Thanks to those who support our mission to Feed the Hungry, House the Homeless, and Prevent Homelessness in our community.

The following were our sponsors in 2021.