H.O.M.E.S., Inc. Generates Over $180,000 During Annual Dinner in the Garden Event

The nonprofit helps build and rehabilitate affordable homes for lower-income families.

H.O.M.E.S., Inc. hosted its 4th Annual Dinner in the Garden event at the H.O.M.E.S., Inc. Outdoor Garden in Fort Lauderdale. At the Havana Nights’ themed event, over $180,000 was raised to support affordable housing and self-sufficiency programs and services for youth and low to moderate-income Broward residents. The event was a celebration of Havana’s bygone Tropicana era, marked with passed hors d’oeuvres, a delectable dinner, an interactive dessert station, specialty cocktails, and entertainment. NBC6 morning anchor Constance Jones acted as the emcee for the evening. 

The event’s highlight was when Linda Taylor, CEO of H.O.M.E.S., Inc., took the stage to thank the guests for their support. She expressed her gratitude for contributing to building, expanding, and furnishing safe and affordable apartments for youth aged out of foster care and supporting homeless families in Broward County. It included an award ceremony that recognized incredible community champions, including Susan Greaton, who received the Ambassador Award; The Community Foundation of Broward, which received the Cornerstone Award; and Marcia Barry-Smith, who received the Lifetime Achievement award.

Since its inception, H.O.M.E.S., Inc. has been involved in building and rehabilitating over 175 affordable homes for lower-income families, providing more than 1,500 individuals with affordable rental opportunities, and offering a home for 290 young adults who have aged out of foster care through the Youth Self-Sufficiency & Supportive Housing Program.

Linda Taylor, Deb Werner, Bill Bymel, and Katharine Barry

You May Also Like
History Fort Lauderdale Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Viva Fort Lauderdale Showcases South Florida Artists History Fort Lauderdale will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the fifth anniversary of “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” a free exhibition showcasing the work of South Florida artists. The exhibit runs Sept. 17 through Oct. 25 at the New River Inn, 231 SW Second Ave.,

Read More
A woman in a colorful dress poses, smiling, next to a vibrant mural of Frida Kahlo with parrots on her shoulders in Fort Lauderdale. Both wear bold patterns and jewelry, celebrating the artistry and spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month. The background features bright, intricate designs that pay homage to history and cultural richness. Lifestyle
Vote For Your Favorite American Humane Society Hero Dog

Five Florida dogs are among 25 semifinalists competing for national recognition in the American Humane Society’s 16th annual Hero Dog Awards. The nationwide competition recognizes dogs whose service, courage and companionship have made an extraordinary impact. This year’s semifinalists compete in five categories: law enforcement and first-responder dogs, service and guide/hearing dogs, therapy dogs, military

Read More
A golden Labrador lies on the floor with a plush snowman toy, a gift box, and a card featuring a dog illustration beside it—evoking the spirit of an American Humane Society Hero Dog. A potted plant is in the background. Lifestyle
Style Saves Brings Jungle-Themed Back-to-School Experience to Miami Beach

Style Saves is turning back-to-school into a celebration as its annual giveaway returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center Aug. 8-9, providing thousands of South Florida students with the supplies they need to start the school year with confidence. Now in its 16th year, the Miami-based nonprofit has helped more than 250,000 students and families

Read More
Eight smiling women and girls stand behind a table with pink Hello Kitty backpacks, posing for a group photo at an indoor Back-to-School event in Miami Beach. Most wear green or white shirts. White curtains and signs are visible in the background. Lifestyle
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber Celebrates its Ninth Annual Summer Soirée

For nearly a decade, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce‘s Summer Soirée has served as the unofficial celebration of summer for the region’s business community—a night where emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and community champions come together to connect, celebrate, and strengthen the relationships that power Greater Fort Lauderdale. Now entering its ninth year,

Read More
Nine people dressed in stylish white outfits pose together indoors, some holding fans or parasols, in front of a "Rising Leaders" event backdrop. Smiling and standing close to each other, they capture the vibrant spirit of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber’s Summer Soirée Annual Celebration. Lifestyle
Other Posts
Your Pet Can Be a Calendar Model

Enter your pet for a place in Abandoned Pet Rescue’s “Pets and Their Favorite Places” 2027 photo calendar Do you have a gorgeous dog? A fabulous feline? If so, it’s time to submit their photo for a spot in the 2027 Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) calendar. Every pet photo submitted will be included in the

Read More
A dog with white fur and black spots stands on its hind legs at a counter, paws on a "2026 Abandoned Pet Rescue 30th Anniversary" calendar, looking up like the perfect pet calendar model. A person stands beside the dog. Two orange chairs are in the background. Lifestyle
Paws With Purpose

For many children, a hospital stay can bring uncertainty, fear, and long days away from the comforts of home. At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, however, some of the most beloved members of the care team walk on four legs.  Freedom, Goldie, and the hospital’s newest facility dog, Dominos, are the stars of the hospital’s animal-assisted

Read More
A group of nine smiling people in golf-themed outfits pose indoors with two golden retrievers wearing Paws With Purpose vests. Colorful banners and a "Love Builds Smiles" sign are in the background. Lifestyle
Capturing The Unspoken Bond

Jackie Ducci’s new documentary explores the powerful connections between people and animals For Jackie Ducci, the inspiration for a documentary began with a simple truth: some of life’s most profound relationships happen without words.  As founder of the Human-Animal Alliance, Ducci has spent years witnessing the powerful connections between people and animals. “There are stories everywhere of

Read More
A woman with long hair and sunglasses on her head gently touches noses with a red fox in front of a wire fence, capturing an unspoken bond and sharing a close, affectionate moment. Lifestyle
A Park for Everyone

Huizenga Park offers activities for people and dogs alike by Hannah Spence Since its revitalization earlier this year, Fort Lauderdale’s Huizenga Pak has welcomed thousands of visitors of all ages, as well as their furry friends.   From people practicing sunrise yoga to dogs having leisure get-togethers, the recently reopened Huizenga Park has quickly become one of Fort Lauderdale’s busiest communal backyards.  Named

Read More
A smiling couple sits on a red blanket in an inclusive park near a fountain, opening a bottle and holding a small dog. In the background, a woman walks a large brown dog amid trees and water spray. Lifestyle