Let’s Shine a Light on Our HSI Stars!
March 1, 2024
We’re a little more than a week out from this year’s Dream Builders’ Bash on Friday, March 22nd and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s our 24th year of celebrating the wonderful supporters of Homeless Solutions – our Shining Stars – and this year will be no exception.
Our 2024 Dream Builder Award Honorees George and Tobi Goldman have dedicated so much of themselves to HSI, and we’re extremely proud to recognize them this year. George began his philanthropy with HSI as a member of the Corporate Advisory Council, moving to the Board of Trustees where he served as a 3-term Board Chair and Finance Chair. With a head for numbers, George is always the first to ask questions to thoroughly equip the committees on which he serves with precise information about budgetary needs for the organization. His devotion to HSI is also evidenced by his participation and fundraising prowess in A Night in The Cold for all four years. He always keeps it exciting by engaging in a “friendly” fundraising competition with our CEO Dan McGuire!
Tobi is a familiar face at our HSI properties. Known as the “file whisperer” at Transitional Housing, she comes in on a regular basis to organize the files or helps at the shelter as needed. Besides this task, she’s also a great organizer for other spaces and is a huge help with sorting our regular donations from Moms Helping Moms. Tobi has also been a longstanding and valued member of the Bash Committee, leading our Wine Pull fundraising efforts.
The Goldman’s have further shown their commitment to our mission by generously creating the Smooth Start Fund and supporting the Next Level Shelter Expansion Project. They’ve truly demonstrated what it means to be a supporter of Homeless Solutions and we’re honored to call them our friends.
Veronica Lacz, our Mary E. Van Kirk Volunteer Spirit Award recipient, exemplifies the meaning of this award. She’s reliable and diligent, and a trusted go-to volunteer, especially when having to do with our shelter kitchen. Besides taking the lead with the Corwin Family Foundation’s monthly dinner group, Veronica is always there when Tamala, our Volunteer Manager needs help to give the kitchen some TLC. Pantry inventory? Veronica’s on top it. A deep clean of the refrigerator? Veronica’s there.
Veronica is no-nonsense, which must come from years of helping take care of her 10 siblings(!), but has a smile and demeanor that warms you. The children at the shelter gravitate towards her and she’s always ready with open arms for a hug. She’s been cooking at the shelter for 16 years and now occasionally brings her grandchildren to help, instilling in them the same values of volunteerism that she holds. Veronica has been unofficially designated HSI’s “Kitchen Guardian Angel” and we’re so delighted to honor her in this way, and lucky to have her in our lives.