Heading Home 2009 -HOUSEWARMING
"There's No Place Like Home!"
Over 400 people gathered to celebrate the annual Heading Home event 2009. In its tenth year, the event, 'The Heading Home HOUSEWARMING - There's No Place Like Home,' was an opportunity for business and community leaders to gather together for one purpose, ending homelessness.
The event, hosted by John Hynes, CEO and Managing Partner of Gale International, was held at the World Trade Center in Boston. This year's event theme was brought to life under the creative direction of Bryan Rafanelli, President and CEO of Rafanelli Events. Rafanelli planned the creation of virtual room vignettes to symbolize different rooms inside a home - a child's bedroom, the kitchen, a family room, for example. These room environments served as a gift registry and attendees had the opportunity to donate specific items from the registry to help Heading Home clients create their own home. Each guest who participated in the registry was entered in to a raffle where there were over 20 prizes ranging from golf outings to Red Sox tickets.
The Heading Home HOUSEWARMING event will be remembered not only for the camaraderie and enthusiasm generated among the guests, but for the unexpected disruption caused by an electrical issue elsewhere in The World Trade Center. Guests were evacuated by the Boston Fire Department and swiftly accomodated by The World Trade Center at another function room near the Seaport Hotel. With the "show must go on" attitude, Hynes and Heading Home event organizers quickly assembled an impromptu auction hall to proceed with the program. Auctioneer Dan McLaughlin engaged supporters in a lively bidding battle. Kudos to the catering staff for their improvisation skills as they kept the spirits flowing adding to the festive atmosphere. Thanks to the World Trade Center for their generosity in making sure that the Heading Home HOUSEWARMING was a success.
Hynes said, "In this extraordinary difficult time where demand for the services of Heading Home is increasing each day, it is important we all reach out to help those in need. Our goal was to create an inclusive, fun and interactive experience that offered a meaningful and personal way for everyone at the event to make a difference in the lives of the homeless."
"What excited us about the 'housewarming party' theme was that it allowed us to draw attention to Heading Home's mission while also inspiring the guests to give at a wide range of levels. From purchasing a lamp, linens, or kitchen items to funding an entire room, there were ample opportunities to give in a significant way," said Rafanelli.
The guests feasted on some of the culinary talents of 24 of the area's greatest chefs and restaurants reflecting the very best of Boston. Heading Home would like to thank all the restaurants who participated for their support, patience and understanding.
Participating Restaurants Included:
- 28 Degrees
- Aura
- Eastern Standard
- The Elephant Walk
- Figs
- The Fireplace
- Fuze
- Jose McIntyre's
- La Morra
- Masa
- Max's Ultimate Food
- Mike's Pastry
- Montilios Bakery
- Pearl Hot Dog
- Redbones
- Seaport
- Sel de la Terre
- Starbucks
- Stella
- The Stockyard
- Tremont 647 & Sister Sorel
- Tryst
- Upstairs on the Square
- Wequassett Inn
We encourage attendees of the event to visit these restaurants and to please mention how much you enjoyed the food at the Heading Home event.
In addition, guests had the opportunity to bid on live auction items such as a luxury box at a Red Sox game and private dining experiences with well known Boston chefs.
Raffle Winners:
- East Coast Grill Dinner for 6 & 6 Cookbooks - Michael Trafficonte & Britt Christian
- $100 Beehive Gift Certificate - Emily Smaldon
- $100 Capital Grille Gift Certificate & set of Steak Knives - Michael Collentro
- $100 Metropolis Cafe Gift Certificate - Andrew Johnson
- 3 Tickets for Red Sox vs. Yankees, June 9th - James Gikas
- 2 Tickets for Red Sox vs. Mariners, July 3rd - Andrew Johnson & Emily Smaldon
- 2 Tickets for Red Sox vs. Blue Jays, May 20th - Joe Nee
- Private Box @ Brockton Rox Game - Wallace Rich
- 2 Tickets to BC Football Home Game - Wallace Rich
- Round of Golf & Clinic for 2, Harmon Golf Club - Brian Beakey
- Harpoon Brewery Tasting for 80 - Robin Dorogusker
- Bobby Orr Autographed Photo - Janet Morra
- John Havlicek Autographed Photo - Jane Simmons
- $100 Power Daze Gift Certificate - Susan Kedmi
- Simplify Your Life by Anne Stericker - Courtney Smith
- House Staging/Organization by Tracee Meagher - Daniel Perruzzi
- 6 Passes to Johnny D's - Joseph Castner
- Golf for 3 with lunch, Hyannisport Golf Club - Robert Maloney
- Dinner for 2 at Atasca Restaurant - Dave Wamester
- Richard Seymour Autographed Football - Marvin Irby
- J.D. Drew Autographed Baseball - Steve Basque
- 2 hour PGA video instruction & 4 hour simulation, City Golf - Steven Chafetz
- $500 Jordan's Gift Certificate - Lisa Allen
- Chop Shop Customs Classic Car Appraisal - Marilyn Newman
Heading Home wishes to thank all who participated in the event for their support and commitment to the mission of ending homelessness for good. We look forward to having you join us again next year!
