by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
The I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless will hold its biggest fundraising event of the year Thursday night with a street party and stories from those the center has helped most.
The annual “Transformations” event raises about 6 percent of the nonprofit’s annual funds, according to President and CEO Sherry Burns. The money goes toward Sulzbacher’s array of homeless services, which range from meals to medical care to employment assistance. Last year, the center cared for more than 2,000 homeless men, women and children.
“Nobody tells the story of what happens here better than the people who have been through it,” said Burns. ”It’s very much a celebration of the success stories of Sulzbacher and a chance to walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes.
“These are people like you and me,” she added. “We attempt to bust stereotypes and inspire action. It’s generally a very upbeat evening.”
The event was created in 1998 by The Dalton Agency’s Michael Munz, who was on the Sulzbacher board of directors at the time. This year’s event will feature nine testimonials from former Sulzbacher guests who are living independently now, according to Jeanette Ghioto, vice president of development at Sulzbacher. She said the guests’ stories of recovery range “from the man who has lived on the street for 20 years to the professor who had a blip on his life’s radar.”
“I hope that people will take away a greater appreciation for the work here at the Sulzbacher Center, the significant difference we’re making in people’s lives,” said Ghioto. “I just hope that the community comes away with a deeper respect for people who are in their darkest hour.”
A party featuring beer, wine, appetizers and desserts will be another highlight of this year’s event, according to Ghioto. Participating chefs include Mark Stoddard of Anthony’s Gourmet Catering and Phillip Brown of Federal Reserve Bank.
Forsyth Street will close in front of the Florida Theatre before the reception, which lasts from 6-7:30 p.m. The performance lasts from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission and $125 for sponsor’s reserved seating. Ghioto said the center is hoping for a turnout of 2,000 people.
Burns said some current and former residents of the Sulzbacher Center attend the show. Some of the performers are recruited by the center, while others volunteer. Burns said current Sulzbacher residents often say they want to be in next year’s event.
“We say, ‘You can. Just get out of here,’” said Burns. “The day you come in, we’re devoted to getting you out of here and back on your own.”
I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless ‘Transformations’
Who: A private, not-for-profit provider of services to the homeless
What: Fundraising event with former resident success stories and outdoor reception
Where: Florida Theatre
When: Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
Contact: Jeanette Ghioto at 394-8085 for ticket information; See www.imshomelesscenter.org for general information or volunteer opportunities.