Union Station Homeless Services Raises a Record-Breaking $460,000 with a Night of Entertainment

USHS Gala 15: Chiaras and Harts with Gildart Jackson and Melora Hardin. Photo courtesy Union Station Homeless Services

USHS Gala 15: Live Auction and Pledge

On Saturday, May 9 Hollywood came to Pasadena as Union Station Homeless Services took a new spin on its annual A Place To Call Home gala. The nonprofit hosted a “Tonight Show” themed evening of entertainment, comedy, music, and fun for all with a great cause.

Master of Ceremonies Gildart Jackson (The Young and the Restless, General Hospital), played the late-night talk show host for the night’s program, with actor and producer Blake Adams Bailey as the show’s announcer. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the honorees, as well as a formerly homeless individual who found a place to call home through the work of Union Station. The evening’s entertainment included musical guest Melora Hardin (The Office, Transparent), who performed an original song with Byron Miller and the Psycho Bass Band, the official house band for the night.

Over 400 guests, businesses and community leaders walked the red carpet at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena while posing for photos and enjoying a wine reception, hosted by Rob and Leslie Levy (owners of The Raymond), as they bid on silent auction items. Congresswoman Judy Chu and representatives from the office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich were among the many supporters attending this year’s gala. The event honored the contributions of Charlie & Rene Chiara and Jim & Tina Hart, long-time supporters and distinguished members of the entertainment industry who have used their talents to benefit the organization.

“We were thrilled with the turnout for this event as we honored the Harts and Chiaras”, says Marv Gross, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. “It was our most successful ever. Gildart Jackson, Melora Hardin, Blake Bailey and the Psycho Bass Band were exceptional in adding so much entertainment and fun to a great evening.”

Over $460,000 was raised to continue the programs provided by Union Station Homeless Services to help homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness in the community. As the San Gabriel Valley’s largest homeless service agency, Union Station is part of a premier group of nonprofit agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our region.

To see photos from the gala, visit www.facebook.com/UnionStationHomelessServices.

Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. We believe every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. With over 40 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of seven programs in seven locations; services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.