“A Night at the Theatre” Celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood, Supports Local Families Experiencing Homelessness

RICHMOND, Va. ­ Cary Grant slept in alleyways. Harry Houdini panhandled. Debbie Reynolds lived out of her car. Sylvester Stallone slept in a bus station. Halle Berry sought refuge at a shelter.

Homelessness has many faces. A few have become household names, but far more are ordinary families struggling to find a safe place to live right here in Richmond. On any given night, more than 100 children are sleeping in area homeless shelters. Others live in motels, out of cars, or doubled up with relatives or friends.

Richmonders can help families experiencing homelessness by attending “A Night at the Theatre: Celebrating the Golden Age of Hollywood,” at Altria Theater from 7­-10pm on February 25, 2016. Proceeds will benefit Housing Families First, formerly Hilliard House.

“A Night at the Theatre” is an Oscar pre­party not to be missed. Guests will walk the red carpet and hobnob with stars of stage and screen from the late 1920s to the early 1960s. The event, presented by Richmond Magazine and NACE Richmond, includes a variety of live music, an impressive silent auction and a sneak preview of the organization’s first­ever commercial. Old Hollywood­inspired dress is strongly encouraged.

Full price tickets are $100, but a limited number of tickets can currently be purchased at the earlybird rate of $75 at www.housingfamiliesfirst.org.

“It may seem early to be talking about the Oscars, but homelessness persists all year round,” Housing Families First’s executive director, Beth Vann­Turnbull said. “The money we raise will create the stability families need to thrive.”

Housing Families First rebranded last year to reflect its mission to find permanent housing first and then continue to work with community partners to keep families stably housed.

Poor work histories, prior evictions, bad credit, mental health concerns, and felony backgrounds often prevent families from meeting housing requirements. Housing Families First helps parents secure manage finances, develop healthy coping skills and address past trauma.

“Thanks to the support of our donors and sponsors, we have been able to move more than 225 parents and children out of homelessness and into permanent housing this year,” Vann­Turnbull said. “We’re counting on this event to help us raise enough to help more families in 2016.”

In addition to support from Richmond Magazine and NACE Richmond, sponsors include Virginia Community Development Corporation, BB&T, CSC Leasing, ThompsonMcMullan P.C., Virginia Housing Development Authority and Photoelectric.

To buy tickets to “A Night at the Theatre: Celebrating the Golden Age of Hollywood,” or for more information about Housing Families First, visit www.housingfamiliesfirst.org.