Forty-nine volunteer “sleepers” raised $126,200 in support of the homeless youth and young adults served by Covenant House Florida by participating in the organization’s Executive Sleep Out for Homeless Youth at Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. A challenge grant of $100,000 from The Salah Foundation brought the total to $226,200.
“We’re very grateful to The Salah Foundation for its generosity and thankful for each participant who not only raised funds but also braved the elements to experience the fear, uncertainty and discomfort felt by homeless young people who end up our streets,” said Jim Gress, executive director of Covenant House Florida. “These funds support our work of providing shelter and services to help these young people turn the corner from homelessness to independence.”
Stand-out volunteer fundraisers this year include (not including Salah Foundation match funds): Bill Lewis of Fort Lauderdale, $11,675. (Lewis has slept out four consecutive years, raising a total of $47,501); Heidi Schaeffer of Boynton Beach, $7,525; and Greg Lonsway of Lighthouse Point, $6,251.
The Sleep Out is a nationwide initiative that takes place primarily on the same night across the United States and Canada at 19 Covenant House shelters. For information, visit www.CovenantHouseFL.org.
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