Special to The Truth
The annual Homes and Dreams fundraiser hosted by The Fair Housing Center was a night to remember, held on May 1, 2025, at the elegant Registry Bistro. Community and supporters gathered to celebrate the heroes making a difference in the fight for fair housing. This year, the event showcased the dedication and contributions of individuals furthering the cause of equality and justice in housing.
As guests arrived, the evening kicked off with a warm welcome from CEO and General Counsel George Thomas, who shared his thoughts on the event’s significance. “We decided to create the Homes and Dreams event because we realized that we need to recognize leaders in our community who are affirmatively furthering fair housing,” he said. “We cannot do this work alone, and there are so many unsung heroes doing amazing work in this space. Every year, we take a moment to let them know that we see them, and all they do. We were thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees.”
The night was filled with excitement as attendees enjoyed a strolling dinner and lively entertainment by Mike Williams, all while taking part in the silent auction and raffle. But the highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, where four remarkable individuals were honored for their dedication to advancing fair housing in the region. Julia Lee, Ashleigh Smith, Alicia Smith and Rashad Daoudi were each presented with awards recognizing their efforts in promoting inclusive housing practices and combating discrimination.
Special thanks were given to the event’s sponsors and volunteers, including the Key Foundation Fund, Huntington Bank, and a wide array of local businesses that generously contributed to making the event a success. Their support allows The Fair Housing Center to continue its crucial work of advocating for equal housing opportunities, educating the community and investigating complaints of housing discrimination.
The evening served as a reminder that this event was about more than just fundraising—it was a celebration of the leaders in the community who are working tirelessly to create positive change. It reaffirmed the belief that when we stand together, we make real change possible. The event highlighted the spirit of fairness and equality that drives The Fair Housing Center’s mission and inspires others to get involved.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their support is helping The Fair Housing Center continue its vital work—ensuring that every person, regardless of background or identity, has access to the safe, affordable housing they deserve.