Hearts of Gold, a benefit for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

Update 4-22-10:At this event, 1,900 people helped to raise over $200,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless. Wow!

We want to thank the Producers of the 17th Annual Hearts of Gold, a benefit for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida for inviting us to attend this huge event Friday, April 16, 2010 at Hard Rock Live. We had a blast!

This was a large event. The venue was packed in the theatre, in the two "art rooms" and the front patio. I didn't count, but it seemed like there were 50 or so silent auction items up for bidding. The table they sat on looked as long as a basketball court. There were waiters everywhere holding trays of snacks and offering up their wares.

The night was made poignant right before the concert began. The audience was introduced to a formerly homeless mother, some homeless children and the man who runs the organization. Several people won raffles and got to move from their seat to the front row. One person even won a guitar.

Below are photos we snapped throughout the evening.

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Before the Concert:


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A single formerly homeless mother speaks about how the Coalition For the Homeless offered non-judgemental assistance which got her back on her feet and into nursing school.


Some homeless children were brought on stage wearing a group "Thank You" sign

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The head of the charity spoke


The VIP party featured free snacks and drinks, as well as a silent auction.


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The meat table featured a gigantic basket of bread

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A charicature artist

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Volunteers hand out board member name tags