Holiday Gala

Steve Azar “Rocks” the House for HANDY’s Kids

HANDY held its first holiday gala at the magnificent home of Al and Kathy Wisne on Friday December 7, 2007 and surpassed all expectations.  Thanks to the generosity of the Wisne’s  100% of the $35,000 proceeds were donated to benefit HANDY – Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth.  In addition, a surprise $10,000 pledge from country music artist, Steve Azar, was also donated through the St. Cecilia Foundation that was formed by Steve and his wife Gwen.

The guests arrived at the beautifully decorated home and donated toys for the HANDY children, which were placed in a 1928 red and white Lincoln Locke, touring classic car which was outfitted with holiday lights and, of course, Santa in the driver’s seat to deliver the goods. 

The white chiffon tented backyard was transformed into a holiday wonderland with sparkling lights and hanging Christmas trees as the stage was set for performers Michelle Chenard, and John Melnick who helped to warm up the guests for the evenings headliner, country blues rocker Steve Azar.  Steve has emerged as one of music’s most prolific songwriters, and brought the house down with his self-penned and chart-topping hits “I Don’t Have To Be Me (‘Til Monday)”, and “Waiting on Joe”.  Pete Kehoe helped to wind things down with his soft styles. 

Established in l985, HANDY has a proven 22-year track record of providing a lifeline of free services and programs to children who are or have been in Broward County’s child welfare system.  Last fiscal year; HANDY served 2,568 children, providing free clothing, beds, cribs, emergency food, social, recreational, and scholarship opportunities.  With the support of the local community, HANDY is subsidizing 31 youth, who have aged out of the child welfare system, in their own apartments as they attend college or vocational school.

Join us for HANDY’s upcoming Spring Swing Golf Tournament complete with cocktail party and dinner in the evening.  This event has something for golfers and non-golfers alike, April 18, 2008 at the Coral Ridge Country Club, in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information on this and other events, please contact the HANDY office at 954-523-7210 ext 208.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or committee member? We invite you to contact the HANDY office at 954-523-7210 x 208 and get involved.   

To become a donor or learn more about HANDY’s Clothing Bank and other programs, please call 954-523-7210 x 208.