Press releases

House of Hope honors
25-year volunteers

PRESS RELEASE DATE: Nov. 25, 2008

House of Hope is approaching its 25th anniversary and recently made a head start on the festivities by recognizing two volunteers who have been with the agency almost from the start.

During a meeting Nov. 18, volunteer Trudy Simone was honored for 25 years of service to House of Hope. She still arrives at the Food Pantry in Stuart two mornings each week to sort, box and distribute food to people in need. The other honoree was Diana Hachmuth, who works one afternoon a week in the Stuart thrift store.

Both volunteers received a plaque and a name badge that honors them for “25 years of giving HOPE a hand.”

During the volunteer meeting, assistant director Esther Brito thanked all House of Hope volunteers. “You are the core of this organization,” she said. “While there are only about 13 employees, there are 100 volunteers. You, volunteers, are the House of Hope.”

The volunteers in attendance represented all of the House of Hope’s locations – Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach and the Stuart location in the Golden Gate area. Each of the four locations operates a thrift store in addition to all House of Hope programs – a Food Pantry, a Clothes Closet and an Emergency Financial Assistance program for Martin County’s poor. 

House of Hope officially will mark its 25th anniversary in March 2009. Several events are being planned for the “Silver Celebration,” including an open house and the annual House of Hope Fashion Show.

The Fashion Show, which is scheduled for March 5 at Mariner Sands Country Club, features volunteers modeling high-fashion clothing donated to the House of Hope thrift stores. The event, which also includes a luncheon and silent auction, raises funds to support House of Hope programs.

For more information about House of Hope, please call (772) 286-4673 or visit www.hohmartin.org.