Fundraiser to aid shelter
By FLORI MEEKS
Jennifer Scyrus has met women from all walks of life in Sarah's House.
The Pasadena-based nonprofit organization provides emergency shelter for homeless women and their children.
We have some women with degrees and some who never earned their diploma or GED," said Scyrus, who serves as executive director. Maybe the work they've been doing, that market is just gone."
A number of Houston-area shelters for women target victims of domestic abuse or drug addicts, Scyrus said. Sarah's house focuses on unemployed or underemployed women in crisis. Its goal is to help clients stabilize their lives and gain the education and life-skills they need to become self-sufficient.
With the economy the way it is, we're staying full every day," Scyrus said. We usually have to turn away five to 10 people."
The shelter can accommodate as many as 16 residents a night, but it's in the midst of an expansion effort that could double its capacity within the next several months.
Organization representatives are hoping the annual fund-raiser for Sarah's House, a Vegas Night' fundraiser, will help support that expansion, as well as the day to day operations of the organization, which also provides clients food, clothing and other basic needs.
The fundraiser is set for 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Houston's Hobby Hilton Hotel, 8181 Airport Blvd.
Tickets begin at $50, and table sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000.
The evening will feature a Mexican buffet, live music and casino gambling, including blackjack and poker.
Music will be provided by Dr. Danny Williamson's Texas Trio with Heath Spencer Philips.
Judge Holly Williamson, Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8, Place 1, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Retired Judge Molly Maness, who held the same position, will be the auctioneer.
Guests can enter raffles throughout the night and join a live auction with items ranging from a signed Houston Texan's football to airline tickets.
The deadline for reservations is Monday.
Sarah's House board member Katrell McNeil has been helping with preparations for the fundraiser.
It's a really great way to support women and children in need," the Missouri City resident said.
Besides giving women and children a place to stay, Sarah's House has a step-by- step program to help women find work and a place to live so they don't stay in the cycle of homelessness."
In addition to financial support, Sarah's House is seeking more volunteers.
For more information, call 713-474-1480 or visit www.sarahshousetx.org
