Help Homeless D211 HS Students: Attend RAH Fundraiser Nov. 7

Did you know the there are roughly 230 students attending one of the District 211 high schools this year who are homeless? Help RAH do something to help these young people!

Northwest suburban-based REALTORS® Against Homelessness (RAH) are hosting their 9th annual fundraiser to assist homeless District 211 (D211) students. The event will take place Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Stonegate Banquet Center, 2401 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates.

There are more than 230 students this year attending one of the D211 high schools who are homeless. Students who are homeless lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, are sharing housing with others due to the loss of a home, or are unable to live in their homes and are forced to find alternate shelter-according to federal guidelines. D211 high schools include Palatine, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Conant–as well as Higgins Education Center and North Campus, both of which are alternative high schools.

Since its inception in 2011, more than $300,000 has been raised by RAH, which was founded by ten northwest suburban realtors who had become aware of the growing number of homeless high school students. The group banned together with a goal to raise funds, in order to provide a variety of supports for these young people–who despite their circumstances–continue to attend their respective high schools to receive their education.

RAH Chair Cindy Eich warmly invites area residents to come out and support this important cause, while enjoying a night of musical entertainment, fun, food and cocktails, and exciting silent/live auctions.

“We are thrilled that our evening’s entertainment will be provided by Riley Elmore from the popular show, ‘The Voice’. Additionally, we have terrific silent and live auction items–including amazing group trips, as well as a one week stay in Naples, Florida, a Blackhawks package, and so much more!” Eich said.

Funds raised by RAH are donated directly to the D211 Foundation and provide the opportunity for D211 counselors to request a variety of items and supports for students identified as homeless. Assistance comes in the form of gas cards for young people who are staying outside the school district and need transportation assistance to get to their schools, as well as grocery gift cards, school supplies, funds to cover school activity fees, clothing, and other personal needs.

“One of the most heartwarming things is when we can assist families in staying together; this is something that can be quite challenging when an entire family becomes homeless,” Eich said. “Funds raised by RAH can be utilized on a temporary, emergency basis, to help people stay in their homes, if at all possible.”

Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket and the opportunity to help positively change the lives of homeless high school students. Tickets are $60 and donations are also being accepted. Please visit RAH211.com.

About REALTORS Against Homelessness (RAH)

REALTORS Against Homelessness (RAH) began as a group of 10 realtors from various offices who joined forces in 2011 to combat homelessness; which had become a serious issue among D211 high school students in the northwest suburbs. At that time, more than 200 young people were classified as homeless. Since RAH’s inception, its support network has grown to include hundreds of caring real estate brokers, lenders, attorneys and other members of the real estate and school community. RAH has raised more than $300,00 which have been donated directly to the District 211 Foundation. RAH is an affiliate of the D211 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. The funds are ultimately distributed through school social workers at D211 high schools who provide assistance for both the teenagers and their families. Visit RAH.com.

RAH Members

Nick Blesz, Sandie Bobus, Maureen Brand, Randy Brush, Cindy Eich, Marty Eich, Sue Gould, Christopher McAllister, Maria Radwan and Basel Tarabein.

About D211 Foundation

Township High School District 211 Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization that has been in existence since 1995. Its mission is to obtain and provide resources to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for the students, staff, and school community of Township High School District 211 that are beyond taxpayers' responsibility. Grants have been awarded at all District 211 schools. Supported educational opportunities are directly related to leadership, technology/science, college/career planning, community, wellness, cultural perspectives, arts and creativity and positive behavior intervention & support. Visit D211foundation.org.

District 211 Service Area Township High School District 211 serves the communities of Palatine, Inverness, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and portions of Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, South Barrington, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and Roselle.