As the charity season for Petaluma, California, draws to a close for the year 2009, one last, but most important event remains to be held. This event is the Make Miracles Happen Fundraising Breakfast and the funds are dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness in Sonoma County. This event is organized by the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) and their unique model for a homeless shelter is designed to support homeless children, families and individuals that need guidance and direction to rekindle a productive and happy life. They offer not only safe shelter but services and programs to help people strengthen personal dignity and integrity, achieve financial independence, and find stable housing. They teach homeless parents to make their children’s needs their highest priority to ensure a fulfilling life. Just in the last year COTS assisted over 1,700 people, including 258 children. Over 102,000 meals were served and an additional 758 hungry people in the community received weekly groceries.

I first attended this event two years ago and was so stricken by the statistics that I couldn’t wait to get involved. Annually, over 50,000 hours of service are contributed by members of the community. When I made the commitment to become a Realtor, I made a commitment to myself to become involved in the community that I sell homes in. Frank Howard Allen has been a supporter of COTS through the Matching Grants program since 1999. For years I made that dollar commitment through commissions without truly comprehending the depth of the program.

Since I attended my first Miracle Breakfast, my goal is not only to give, but to participate. Once you meet the COTS clients you will see for yourself the miracle of unselfish dedication to fellow human beings in need. This will be my second year as Table Captain and I invite anyone that would like to witness this miracle firsthand to join me in meeting the clients and hearing how the program is evolving through the economic struggles of our country.

Space is limited so please email rcelli@fhallen.com and let me know if you are interested by October 16, 2009.

Posted By: Rebecca Celli