Broward Housing Solutions' 'Angels in the Outfield' Gala Brings in Nearly $100,00

Broward Housing Solutions' baseball-themed "Angels in the Outfield" gala brought in nearly $100,00, the most ever for this annual event benefiting the organization that provides safe, affordable housing to Broward County's mental health consumers.

"There are two things that are great about our annual event," said Broward Housing Solutions' President/CEO Nancy Merolla.  "First, it brings in needed funds that support our mission and, second, it's loads of fun.  This year, the casual, baseball theme set the stage for a fabulous evening of dancing and socializing."

The 2005 "Angels in the Outfield" gala honored Janice Anastasato, 9Muses Art Center, Mary Riedel, Sun-Sentinel Community Affairs Manager and Society Publisher, Mayor Rhon Ernest-Jones, City of Coral Springs, and Commissioner John Rodstrom, Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

"We are thrilled we had the opportunity to recognize our outstanding honorees," said Barbara Capeletti, who co-chaired "Angels in the Outfield" with fellow Broward Housing Solutions' Board Member Carol Molnar.  "The folks have brought so much to our organization and illustrate how powerfully we can work in people's lives if we come together to support a cause.  We thank each of our honorees on behalf of the organization ad the mental health consumers we serve."

In addition to the prestigious honorees, other special guests included Local 10 News Sports Anchor John Henry Smith who served as the emcee for the evening, Senator Skip Campbell who introduced the honorees and Billy the Marlin, who posed for snapshots with guests.

One of the most powerful highlights of the evening was the introduction of a new Broward housing Solutions' video, which featured interviews of Broward Housing Solutions' residents who struggle with their mental health.  Each resident pointed out how important it is to have safe, affordable housing.

"If I didn't have my apartment today, I'd either be dead or on the streets," said Katherine, a Broward Housing Solutions' resident who suffers from schizophrenia.  "I'm very grateful for what I have today."

Broward Housing Solutions' President/CEO Nancy Merolla is thankful to be able to help people like Katherine.  She said she couldn't accomplish the mission of the organization with generous donors and supporters, including those who were underwriters of the "Angels in the Outfield" event.

"Many thanks to all of our sponsors," said Merolla.  "Year after year, we see so many members of this community step up to support us.  All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you."

"We have very generous sponsors, but we also have many individuals who donate their time and money, and who support the event by attending and bidding on auctions items," said Barbara Capelletti, who is co-chairing "Angels in the Outfield" with fellow Broward Housing Solutions' Board Member Carol Molnar.  "We thank them for their support.  We couldn't do it without them."

The "Starting Line-Up" sponsors for "Angels in the Outfield" include: Eli Lilly and Company, Comerica Bank, Maroone, an AutoNation Company, Sun-Sentinel, Washington Mutual, BankAtlantic Foundation, Memorial Healthcare System, City National Bank of Florida, Gilbraltar Bank, Nova Southeastern University, Wachovia Bank, Atlantic Shores Healthcare, Inc., CommerceBank, Community Bank of Broward, Damiani & Weissman, PA, Florida Career College, Publix Super Market Charities, Bank of America, Commercial Bank of Florida, Holy Cross Hospital, North Broward Hospital Distric, Kay Riordan - State Farm Insurance, SuRealty Title, Inc., Andrue Construction, Inc., Lambert Advisory, NAMI Broward County, Sandy Brittain/Prudential Florida 1st Realty, Inc., Scott J. Brook, PA, Clobus, McLemore & Duke, Kurt Merolla Yacht and Boat Surveyor and Pinnacle Housing.

Broward County Community Development Corp., Inc., d/b/a Broward Housing Solutions, is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization and community-based housing development organization (CHDO).  It provides housing to mental health consumers at a cost of only 30 percent of the consumer's monthly income through its Rental Housing Program, assists with rent payments through its Rental Subsidy Program, helps consumers become homeowners through its Lease Option Purchase Program and is currently developing two housing projects for young adults and those who have aged out of the foster care system through Housing Solutions for Young Adults.

For more information, call 954-764-2800.