From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that The Power of Home was going to be much more than an annual benefit. It was going to be an immersive experience.
The evening invited supporters to step into the journey of mothers and children who come to Marguerite’s Place seeking safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild.
Before Marguerite’s Place
Before attendees entered the cocktail space, they began where every family’s story begins: before Marguerite’s Place. Through moving visuals, guests saw, for the first time, the reality of life before stability—the uncertainty of where to sleep at night, the heartbreak of choosing between paying for childcare or putting food on the table, and the need to do whatever it takes just to survive.
From there, the journey shifted to the critical first 90 days at Marguerite’s Place, a period of stabilization that lays the foundation for everything that follows. Guests were immersed in the stories of several mothers, each navigating those fragile early steps toward independence. They saw how the smallest moments—a first night of safe sleep, a case manager’s reassuring words, a child’s first morning in quality childcare—can mark the beginning of healing.
In those first three months, moms begin to breathe again. They meet with staff to set goals, start budgeting, and begin job searches or educational programs. Children begin to thrive in nurturing classrooms while their mothers find strength in community.
Guests could feel the gravity of that transformation told first-hand by our residents and graduates. It’s not just about having a roof overhead; it’s about being connected to vital resources and reclaiming the confidence to move forward.
Celebration and Connection: A Night to Remember
As the reception began, the mood shifted from reflection to celebration. The ballroom filled with incredible energy and connection. Conversation could be heard throughout the room as supporters shared the stories of resilience featured on their table cards.
The highlight of the evening came when guest speaker and program graduate, Sarah, took the stage. She shared her inspiring journey of navigating recovery, reuniting her family, and beginning her current career, a powerful testament to what’s possible when women are given the safety, stability and support they deserve.
Sarah moved the room as she described her first Christmas as a family under one roof. She spoke of waking up in a safe home with all her children together and seeing their faces light up as they opened gifts—gifts made possible by the generosity of supporters who turned what could have been a difficult time into a true holiday miracle. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Sarah’s story came full circle when the employer she mentioned, who sponsored her table at the event, surprised her in the audience. It was a touching reminder of how our community continues to walk alongside our graduates long after they’ve graduated from our program.
The energy carried into the Fund-a-Need and live auction, which brought excitement to new heights—with 11 trips to Tuscany won in just minutes. The Fund-a-Need became the largest in Marguerite’s Place history.
The applause that followed wasn’t just for the winners and donation levels—it was for what each bid represented: more nights of safe sleep, more access to high-quality childcare, and more opportunities for mothers to pursue their goals.
The Power of Community & The Promise of Home
But beyond the numbers, what made The Power of Home truly special was the collective spirit in the room. Every story, every paddle raise, every word shared carried the same message—when mothers are supported, entire futures are rewritten.
Marguerite’s Place has walked alongside nearly 1,000 families over the past three decades, providing not just shelter but a pathway to independence. This year’s benefit captured that legacy and looked toward a future of continued transformation.
The theme, The Power of Home, is the cornerstone of everything Marguerite’s Place stands for. Guests didn’t just witness this mission; they became an integral part of it. The impact of this night will extend far beyond its closing moments.
Because when a family finds a home, everything changes.
Thank you to our generous 2025 Sponsors!
