Always Home's Heart to Heart Gala Honoring Community Leaders a Success

Always Home’s HEART TO HEART gala on Friday, April 19, 2024 drew 350 attendees who came together to Prevent Family Homelessness and to recognize community leaders Karen Stone, David Schulz, Amanda Arling and The Whalers Inn. Also present was State Senator Heather Somers who acknowledged this year’s gala honorees with Certificates of Special Recognition.
 
In her remarks, Always Home’s Executive Director Tricia Cunningham commended long-time Mystic residents and couple Karen Stone and David Schulz, Amanda Arling, President of The Whaler’s Inn, and The Whaler’s Inn for their unwavering support of Always Home and their commitment to building a healthier and more vibrant community for everyone. “Our honorees this year care wholeheartedly about the health and well-being of their neighbors,” said Cunningham. “They have each made a tremendous impact throughout our community from economic development, growing tourism, growing civic engagement and advocacy, environmental stewardship and extensive board leadership. Their collective impact is felt far and wide.”
 
This year's Heart to Heart Gala surpassed all previous successes, raising $150,000 towards Always Home’s work addressing the emergency housing needs of our region’s low-income families. Cunningham recognized the dedication of the Event Committee members and the invaluable contributions of Gala Sponsors, Patrons, and Auction Donors, whose support made the event a reality. She extended a special thanks to Heart of Gold Presenting Sponsor, The Whaler’s Inn; Giving Heart Sponsors including Block Island Express, Groton Utilities, The Gramm & Battiston Families, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Aquarium, Power Posse Productions and Shuta Productions; and numerous other corporate sponsors listed on the organization’s website. “Success is not about a single organization, individual, or business,” she said. “It’s about what we achieve by working together.”
 
About Always Home
Always Home is a private 501(C)3) non-profit formed in 1998 to address the needs of Eastern Connecticut's homeless and at-risk families. As the region's leading service provider focused exclusively on serving families with minor children, Always Home provides case management support and access to the emergency services families need to establish housing stability.  The agency is a designated responder in the 2-1-1 Eastern Coordinated Access Network (ECAN) working closely with other service providers in the Eastern Connecticut regional network to ensure that parents and children avoid the trauma of homelessness. For more information about Always Home, visit www.alwayshome.org