Chapman Partnership’s Gala Kick-off Sets the Tone for Efforts to End Homelessness in Miami-Dade County

Miami, Fl – May 4, 2023 – It was the undercard before the main event but you wouldn’t have known it from the enthusiasm, energy and excitement in the air. Over one hundred of Miami-Dade’s most influential community leaders, including television personalities, business executives and philanthropists, were among the guests at Chapman Partnership’s Kick-off Reception at the home of Heide and Jose Dans on Wednesday night.

The purpose of the gathering was clear; to generate support, fervor, and momentum for the annual Illuminations Gala in November, which is the nonprofit organization’s largest fundraising event of the year.

Chapman Partnership serves those experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County. Each day, the charity provides attention and care to over 800 men, women and children at their centers in Downtown Miami and Homestead. 

“Sometimes people that shouldn’t be homeless end up homeless because of some unfortunate event,” said Jose Dans, Founder and President of WOW MKTG, who with his wife Heide are Gala Chairs for the fourth consecutive year. “I know what it’s like to live on the brink of being homeless when my father left when I was 16. My mother, sister and I had to barely scrape by and could have easily found ourselves on the street if not for family. That is why Chapman Partnership is so dear to my heart, to our family and to our community as a whole.”

“We have a great team and we have a lot of volunteers,” said Chapman Partnership’s Interim President and CEO Peter Pruitt, Jr. “[It’s] that ability to help somebody… It’s like everyday is a big accomplishment because there are tangible ways you can see that the work you’re doing benefits someone who really needs it.” 

Wednesday night’s setting also served as an opportunity to announce the next Alvah H. and Betty B. Chapman Humanitarian Award recipient. Timothy Adams was named for his selfless commitment and compassion for those most in need. Mr. Adams has been on Chapman Partnership Board of Trustees since 2002 and is Chairman of the Spiritual Life Committee since 2018, which aims to help participants achieve a sense of value and self-worth through faith. Mr. Adams is also involved in numerous charities and international missions around the world. The award will be presented at the gala.  Over a dozen community leaders were among the first to commit to the Illuminations Gala at the reception, setting the tone for what promises to be the most successful gala to date. Many more signed up to take part in the Gala Organizing Committee. The goal this year is to surpass $1.1 million in donations. The event will be held November 11th at JW Marriott Marquis Miami.


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