The 13th Annual HomeAid Northern Virginia Gala & Auction on November 1 was once again a smashing success! A crowd of 425 people helped raise nearly $300,000 at the “On the Red Carpet”-themed event, through registrations, sponsorship, the silent and live auctions, and the $54,000 paddle challenge with a $58,000 match from Doug and Ann Smith. On Saturday night alone, HomeAid raised more than $135,000.
The night’s atmosphere was punctuated by the best of Hollywood glamour, with roaming photographers, twinkling ice sculptures and golden statues, a red carpet rolled out to welcome guests in black tie and formal gowns, signature cocktails and a three-hour open bar, and cocktail hour entertainment provided by the Starlight Express band.
“Every year, I think that HomeAid’s Gala cannot possibly top the one the year prior, and every year it does,” said HomeAid Northern Virginia President Sal Migliore. “And I’m not just talking about dollars raised—although as our biggest fundraiser of the year, that’s a critically important benchmark—but I’m also talking about the theme, spirit and fun that the night brings to the hundreds of partners and supporters who make our work possible. We are so grateful for and humbled by the response, and I want to personally thank each and every individual who attended, sponsored, donated or volunteered. We truly couldn’t pull it off without you.”
