Pearls of Hope IX 2022
Daytona Beach, FL – On Saturday, October 22, FBH Community celebrated its Ninth Pearls of Hope Gala at the Mori Hosseini Student Union at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With a total of four distinct programs under FBH Community, Founder and Chair, Forough B. Hosseini has spearheaded the organization's growth and impact on the community since 2007. FBH Community's programs include Food Brings Hope, VCan, Prosperity, and Homes Bring Hope, all proactively working to combat the root causes of poverty in our most impoverished local communities.
For a night of celebration and fundraising among long-time supporters and dignitaries, Stellar and the Burke Family held the honor as the Gala's presenting sponsors. Other top sponsors included AdventHealth, Foundation Risk Partners, and Premier Resorts & Management. Special guests included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carmen Balgobin, VCS Board Chair Ruben Colon, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, and Presidents from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Central Florida, and Bethune Cookman University. A distinguished guest of the night was Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez who was accompanied by her husband, Adrian Nunez. "It is an honor to see the great work that FBH [Community] is doing, it's inspiring! I hope that we can continue to help and support FBH and look forward to seeing the great work that you do,” said Lieutenant Governor Nunez to Forough B. Hosseini.
During the event, FBH Community recognized an outstanding student, teacher, and principal of the year for their involvement and commitment to the organization. Accepting Outstanding Student of the Year, Nina Samuel, an FBHonors graduate, now attending the University of South Florida, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Outstanding Teacher of the Year was presented to Dr. LaSherica Jefferies at Palm Terrace Elementary School. Dr. Jefferies serves as a Curriculum Consultant for Food Brings Hope's Change the Code program. Lastly, accepting the honor of Principal of the Year was Kimberly Matthews from Campbell Middle School. Her most recent involvement in FBH Community's Emergency Relief Efforts, following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, demonstrated her leadership and advocacy towards families most affected in the 32114-zip code area.
The immense generosity throughout the evening resulted in nearly a quarter of a million dollars raised to support FBH Community. Through the Food Brings Hope program, a total of 32 schools between Volusia and Flagler counties will be positively impacted through its after-school programs. The VCan program will continue its efforts of filling the gaps for the at-risk and homeless population and through the joined program efforts of Prosperity and Homes Bring Hope, they will continue to assist hard-working families achieve their dream of homeownership. Truly a night to remember!
