Dear Friends,

It is always a privilege to see joy in the faces of our Covenant House Florida kids… runaway, throwaway and homeless youth who have seen more difficulty and pain than most of us could bear.

The littlest Covenant House Florida kids enjoyed new teddy bears this holiday season.

But this Christmas season, we did see lots of joy, thanks to you, our generous supporters. We had a significant response to our Holiday Wish List needs, ranging from donations of gift cards and backpacks to DVDs and underwear. Contributors from both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando who deserve a special thank you are:

A Jax Company
American Safety Council
First United Methodist Church of Winter Park
Hospitality Human Resources Association of Broward County
Tom and Donna Page
Pan American Medical Association
Warren Pearce
RKL Painting
Sheraton Airport & Cruise Port Hotel
Kim and Elva Spitznagel
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
AHLO, Inc.
Tenet-Florida Services Center
Valencia Community College Math & Humanities Department

Because of the generosity of these and other donors, as well as the volunteer support provided by so many members of our community, our kids received special gift baskets, Christmas meals, Christmas Eve services and holiday parties. Plus, Santa made a special visit to the young children of our residents in both shelters.

We thank you for giving happiness to these young adults who face so many trials, particularly during the holiday season. Every bit you contribute – whether time, treasure or talent – makes a difference and is appreciated.

Sincerely,
James M. Gress
Executive Director

Boxer Roberto Benitez Visits Orlando

Roberto Benitez, a 2004 U.S. Olympian featured in media outlets such as HBO, ESPN and Sports Illustrated, visited Covenant House Florida’s Orlando shelter where he hosted a Christmas party for residents. Benitez treated the group to a traditional Hispanic meal and DJ entertainment, as part of Athletes for Hope, a non-profit organization intended to inspire the sports community to make a positive difference throughout the world.

Roberto Benitez spends time with Covenant House Florida residents.




Teens Support Teens

More than 700 teens and their parents joined together to participate in the 19th Annual Covenant House Florida Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth hosted by both the Fort Lauderdale and Orlando shelters.

“This event is intended to help the community understand that we have a crisis of homeless and runaway youth who live on the streets. These are kids who live under highway overpasses and in cardboard boxes. It is simply unacceptable,” said James M. Gress, executive director of Covenant House Florida. “At Covenant House Florida, we help these youth, who often come from severely dysfunctional families, put their lives together and look forward to a hopeful future.”

Many thanks to everyone who supported this important event.Click HERE for more photos and details of the Candlelight Vigil.






Chuck Zloch: A Man of Style

Thanks to Covenant House Florida Board Member Chuck Zloch, who strutted his stuff on the runway at Fort Lauderdale Galleria Mall’s “Men of Style” event. The event raised more than $1,200 for Covenant House Florida.

Cranberry Jam a Bash to Remember

In spite of the torrential rain, Thanksgiving Eve’s 16th Annual Cranberry Jam attracted more than 300 guests. The heavy downpour prompted a last-minute venue change for the event, hosted by the Young Professionals for Covenant House (YPFCH) and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Beach Council, from Fort Lauderdale beach to Exit 66 night club. More than 300 people attended in support of Covenant House Florida. Thank you, Young Pros!


Young Professionals for Covenant House Florida leader Michelle Zimmer with the Bubba Gump team.



Fishing and Golf for the Kids

Covenant House Florida is grateful for the longtime support of board member Keith Koenig, who annually hosts the Annual Kevin Koenig Memorial Golf & Fishing Tourney benefiting Covenant House Florida. The event raised $78,500 for the organization.


Doug Kennedy, Jim Gress, Keith Koenig



Caring for the Babies

The Pan-American Medical Association (PAMA) generously donated a variety of baby supplies – from bottles and bibs to car seats and carriages – to Covenant House Florida in Orlando for the shelter’s tiniest residents.


Staffers Meghan Dill and Maria Shorkey receive the gift from PAMA, an organization of approximately 150 Hispanic physicians in Central Florida.



New Annual Report

Visit www.covenanthousefl.org for a peek at our new annual report. The fact-filled annual report, as well as the new website intro page, features photos of the diverse residents who find home at our shelters. Check it out!







Calling Garage Sale Donors!

Covenant House Florida in Orlando is looking for garage sale items for its March 20 garage sale fundraiser. Please donate clothing, small household appliances, small furniture pieces, books, VHS tapes, DVDs, and other salable items after March 1 to help raise funds for needy youth! For more information, please call (407) 482-0404. And don’t miss the garage sale: Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Covenant House Florida, 5931 East Colonial Drive, Orlando.



Save the Date

Covenant House Florida’s 25th Anniversary Gala, A Night of Broadway Stars, has been rescheduled for December 3 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The benefit will celebrate Covenant House Florida’s 25th anniversary with a performance featuring Broadway artists and Covenant House youth. Stay tuned for details!

Renowned lyricist and composer
Neil Berg will produce A Night of Broadway Stars.