His House Children's Home, a leading non-profit dedicated to restoring the lives of children in foster care, celebrated its Imagine Charity Gala presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.
The evening brought together esteemed members of the South Florida community for a night of elegance, reflection and heartfelt support, marking another successful milestone in the organization's 35-year mission to provide healing and hope to children in need.
His House is the largest residential campus in the State of Florida providing a safe place to live for hundreds of children, often a last-recourse safe-haven for our community’s most vulnerable and at-risk youth.
Laurie Jennings, 6-time Emmy Award-winning TV news reporter and anchor, captivated and energized the audience as the evening’s emcee. Jennings brought her signature warmth and professionalism, guiding the night’s program with grace and helping to amplify the mission of His House Children's Home.
“I was deeply moved when I visited and learned more about His House Children’s Home,” added Laurie Jennings. “The task is daunting, but the staff is clearly committed to providing these young people with the tools to help them recover from the trauma and lead successful lives.”
The evening showcased powerful testimonials from former residents who have gone on to lead successful lives and careers, celebrating the transformative work of His House Children's Home. It also included an incredible musical and dance performance by New World School of Arts students in the Connection with an inspiring rendition of “We are the World” among others showcasing the potential of the children living at His House. The overwhelming support from the attendees will have a lasting impact, helping to shape the future care and opportunities for these children for years to come.
“I wanted to work at His House to basically give back. I have been at this place for many years. I came from a home with domestic violence. His House raised me and made me who I am today,” said D’Angelo Dorsett. “I was looking for my identity and they gave me direction and what I needed to do to succeed in life. Before arriving at His House there was always a shortage of food at His House they had unlimited food, a PlayStation. When I arrived at His House it was a breath of fresh air and the role models help me change the way I looked at things to be who I am today.”
D’Angelo was a resident at His House for 4 years before aging out at 18 years old and coming back at 21 to work as a Childcare Professional giving back to the place that has raised thousands of kids just like him.
“The community’s support for our gala was truly humbling,” says Silvia Smith-Torres, CEO of His House Children’s Home. “The moneys raised will be utilized to help bring healing to a population that knows little except trauma. Our goal is to bring generational change to these extraordinary survivors.”