Heart to Heart Gala November 7, 2010

The Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. and the Femmes de Coeur have partnered to present the Heart to Heart Gala, a new event designed to bring greater awareness to the health care service needs of the homeless and uninsured in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The event will be held Sunday, November 7, 2010, 5:00-9:00 p.m., in the Ballroom at Church Street, 225 South Garland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801.

Since 1993, the Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. has had a mission of providing quality health care services that improve the lives of homeless and medically indigent people in our community. Femmes de Coeur is a not-for-profit organization of women volunteers. Their efforts raise funds to alleviate personal and emotional suffering of individuals living in Central Florida. Since being established in 1998, Femmes de Coeur has raised more than $1,000,000 in support of local non-profits.

“Community support from organizations like Femmes de Coeur enables us to continue assistance to some of the most vulnerable people of our community during times of great need,” states Bakari F. Burns, CEO for Health Care Center for the Homeless. It is estimated that during 2010, approximately 10,000 people will experience homelessness within the tri-county area. “This event will offer a tremendous opportunity to acknowledge our neighbors, showcase our endeavors, and watch the stories of hope and encouragement experienced by our clients unfold,” Burns further notes.

Live entertainment will be provided by Paradise Band, one of Central Florida's most popular and requested musical groups. Musical selections will also be provided by Victoria Lynn Schultz, harpist; and Dr. Amy Blount, pianist. The event will feature a silent and live auction and the meal will be provided by BRIO Tuscan Grille.

Proceeds from the Heart to Heart Gala will benefit the Health Care Center for the Homeless by providing critical services at their health facility, the Orange Blossom Family Health Center. Their eight program or service areas include: primary medical care, oral health services, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling, an on-site pharmacy, vision services, mobile health services, a residential TB shelter, and street outreach (the HOPE Team).

The general public is invited to attend this event. Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and can be purchased online by visiting http://www.hcch.org through November 4, or by contacting Terri Betts at 407-428-5751, Ext. 326. Her email address is tbetts@hcch.org. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $1,000. To learn more about the Health Care Center for the Homeless, visit http://www.hcch.org. Additional information regarding Femmes de Coeur can be obtained at http://www.femmesdecoeur.org.