IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
The Inland Empire region is home to one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing developers in the United States. National CORE was founded by Jeff Burum and his partner, Andy Wright, in 1991 and has developed more than 10,000 units of affordable housing that are home to about 30,000 residents in California, Texas and Florida.
On Thursday, October 5, the organization held its annual An Evening of Hope gala, which carried the theme of “What would this world do without you?” A crowd of 700 guests was entertained by the Golden Butterflies, Valverde Dance Studios’ Evolution Dance Company and Citrus College’s Night Shift under the stars at the company’s new headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga.
Numerous community leaders and elected officials were attendance, including the mayors of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, as well as city council members past and present from throughout the region. Actress Gabrielle Walsh, whose TV series “Found” just premiered on NBC, also attended.
The event, which raised more than $1.125 million for the Hope Through Housing Foundation, also served as the launch of a new campaign for the foundation called Champion a Child. The campaign allows members of the community to support the needs of underserved children by funding free after-school programs for children at National CORE properties for a day, a month or a year. The program will assist in “sparking change and igniting progress for children who face significant barriers to success,” according to a press release.
“It’s humbling to witness the strength and unity of our community as we gather together on this remarkable evening,” said Jeff Burum, chairman and founder of National CORE. “Our annual gala serves as a powerful testament to our shared dedication to uplifting the lives of children, families and seniors in need. It reminds us all that, as a collective force, we have the boundless potential to transform communities.”
Special recognition was given to: Women of Hope – the Volunteer Group of the Year; Riverside County – Community Partner of the Year; G. Allan Kingston – Daniel R. Fauske Founders’ Award; and Arlene Oroz – who received the I Am Hope Award.
