Chapman Partnership celebrated its annual Illuminations Gala with an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment, honoring the donors and volunteers whose work is a shining light to the 3,000 men, women, and children who Chapman Partnership serves annually.

Serving as the largest fundraiser for Chapman Partnership, the Illuminations Gala captured the essence of resiliency through challenging times. In total, the gala raised more than $750,000 to provide life-changing, wrap-around comprehensive programs and services that lead programs and services that lead our homeless men, women, and children overcoming homelessness.

 The 2023 Illuminations Gala provided guests with an exciting evening, produced by WOW MKTG, honoring those whose support helps further Chapman Partnership’s mission every day. Laurie Jennings, former Local 10 News anchor and now with Laurie Jennings Live!, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The Under the Big Top gala was generously sponsored by Trish & Dan Bell, Heide & Jose “Pepe” Dans, Jackson Health System (exclusive photography sponsor), Carlos Fernandez-Guzman and Pacific National Bank, Ed Joyce and Grove Bank & Trust, Tim and Jeanette Adams, Sherrill Hudson and TECO Gas, Marsh McLennan, Lennar Foundation and many more. This year’s exclusive media sponsor was Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, along with media support from Coral Gables Magazine, Community Newspapers, Brickell Magazine, Miami Kids Magazine, and S Revista.

This year’s Gala Event Chairs for the 4^th year, Heide and Jose “Pepe” Dans, led the event planning creating an unforgettable evening celebrating the dedicated volunteers and donors.

“Our commitment to Chapman Partnership is born of a deep conviction and belief that we need to help those who are most in need,” said Jose Dans, who, along with his wife Heide, served as chair of the Illuminations Gala. “Families are the building blocks of society and when they are displaced, we all suffer. The impact is felt in the community at large. Chapman Partnership is dedicated to helping these families get back on their feet. Heide and I have instilled this love of neighbor in our family and there is no greater example of it than Chapman Partnership.”

At this year’s gala, Chapman Partnership presented the Alvah H. and Betty B. Chapman Humanitarian Award to Tim Adams, a leader who demonstrates the same outstanding humanitarian initiative and compassion for others as Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. did. Adams was honored by his peers as an extraordinarily compassionate and dedicated individual for his inexhaustible efforts in helping empower those who are most in need in our community and spearheading the launch of the organization’s Spiritual Life and Wellness Program.

Adams joins an impressive roster of Alvah H. and Betty B. Chapman Humanitarian Award recipients, including Trish and Dan Bell, Ron Book, Sash A. Spencer, Robert E. Chisholm, Betty B. Chapman, Carlos Fernandez-Guzman, Alberto Carvalho, Sherrill Hudson, Peter T. Pruitt, Jr.  and others.

During a touching moment at the gala, current and former Chapman residents, Paula Ferrol and Tyrell Williams, were recognized as the 2023 Chapman Partnership Success Stories of Hope. More than a decade ago, Tyrell arrived at Chapman Partnership Miami Center with his infant son as a single parent looking for an opportunity to rebuild his life. Through the support of Chapman Partnership, he found his way to self-sufficiency and presently employed with the organization as a Client Care Specialist helping others. Paula, also a single parent, was proud to share her own story of empowerment during the gala and why she has found hope at Chapman Partnership and the resources and support to fulfill her dreams of independence and a career in nursing.

The special evening was followed by the annual Illuminations Gala nextgen Big Top Bash After Party, sponsored by First Eagle Investments, Kaufman Rossin, and many more, hosted by nextgen, Chapman Partnerships’ young professional’s group. nextgen is made up of Miami’s young professionals and community ambassadors, between the ages of 21-45, who work to increase awareness, revenue and advocacy for Chapman Partnership.

About Chapman Partnership

Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in downtown Miami and Homestead. The nonprofit provides a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for homeless men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, after-school care, job training, job placement, and assistance with securing stable housing. At Chapman Partnership, aided by generous donors and sponsors, we empower the homeless, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman Partnership is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is a private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.