Funds Will Go To Establishing Daytime Drop-in Center
HOUSTON – A recent open-house fundraiser for the new group Homeless Gay Kids – Houston (HGK-H) attracted 300 guests and raised an astounding $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations –far surpassing the goal of $30,000.
The mission of HGK-H is to provide direct support, including basic survival needs and life skills, to the hundreds of homeless LGBT teens in the Houston area. The group’s initial goal is to establish a daily drop-in center in Montrose by mid 2016.
Franki Navarro of EPAH (Executive and Professional Association of Houston) coordinated the participation of that group and the other sponsors of the open house, The Diana Foundation and OutReach United. Those who opened their homes for the event on September 26 were: Tony Carroll and Dr. Bruce Smith; Leo Busscher and Joe Francis; Charles Ameno; David Crawford and Tripp Carter of Bradshaw-Carter.
Concierge Travel donated a Ft. Lauderdale vacation and a cruise through the Panama Canal for a silent auction, which was conducted by Ernie Manouse of Channel 8. Manouse, Helen Mann and St. John Flynn of Channel 8’s “Manor of Speaking” were also among supporters of the event.
In addition, artists Leo Busscher, Hugo Perez and Wyatt Little had their work for sale, and Stefan Eade-Hill displayed his KnottingHill bowties. A portion of sales went to HGK-H. The sponsoring organizations also thanked Ryan Levy of Nice Wines for his support.
HGK-H and the drop-in center will be totally privately funded, with no government assistance. Details on the location of the center and the specific services to be offered are still being finalized and will be announced later.
According to the 2013 National School Climate Survey, one in every four homeless kids is gay.