Generous support included the “burning” of two outstanding PCH mortgages
(St. Louis, MO, July 6, 2021) — Promise Community Homes (formerly Rainbow Village) is pleased to announce the organization raised more than $300,000 at its annual signature event, the 25th Annual Somewhere Over the Rainbow Gala on Friday, June 11. Funding supports the organization’s mission of providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
“On behalf of our residents, staff, and incredible partners, we’re humbled by the continued passion and generosity shown by our organization’s advocates,” said Erin Eberhard, Promise Community Homes’ Executive Director. “The evening was a success in large part due to the ongoing support from our event sponsors, such as Emerson. For more than 20 years, Emerson has been integral in supporting our mission, and we are so thankful.”
The festivities took place at the iconic World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park with 250 guests. Dinner, the program and a silent auction followed cocktails with co-host of Today in St. Louis, Rene Knott, emceeing the event. During the program, the organization’s founders were recognized, including a tribute video featuring executives at Mastercard, honoring the work of founder Norm Tice. In addition, Michael Rea, the organization’s previous Executive Director was presented with the Pillar of the Community award for his past leadership and deep understanding of the challenges people with I/DD face daily.
Additionally, a focal point of this year’s event was the opportunity for guests to aid the organization by maintaining these homes and retiring resident mortgages. In addition to the $1.45 MM in mortgages, the organization invests an average of $9,000 annually in each of it’s 86 homes, providing 24/7 emergency response, modifications for accessibility, and day-to- day maintenance. At the event, Promise Community Homes was able to pay off two of these outstanding mortgages with the help of Madison and Nathan Graham and Tom and Suzanne Hough of Carrollton Bank. The celebration included video of the Houghs, Michael Rea, and Eileen Cole, the organization’s Board President, roasting marshmallows over the burning mortgage papers and making s’mores with the home’s residents.
Promise Community Homes is grateful to all who came and supported its residents. Below is a list of some of the sponsors who championed this year’s event:
- Emerson, Foundational Sponsor
- Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Wendy Geraty, Foundational Sponsor
- Nancy Parker Tice and Paul Tice, Presenting Sponsor
- Carrollton Bank, Presenting Sponsor
About Promise Community Homes:
Promise Community Homes is the leading housing provider of choice in the St. Louis region. The nonprofit maintains 86 safe, affordable and accessible homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In 1973, its founders created a circle of homes surrounding the Wolff Community Center on Dautel Lane in Creve Coeur, MO, now known as Rainbow Village by Promise Community Homes.