Lowell Sun (Sept. 30, 2008) – HOH Featured

Party raises $25,000 for House of Hope

By Mary Sampas, Sun Correspondent

Despite a threat of rain, the showers held off Thursday night for the House of Hope’s 22nd annual Harvest of Hope celebration, held at the neighboring homes of John and Linda Chemaly and Deb and Bill Lemos in Chelmsford.

The party got started with drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the Chemalys’ home, then moved to the fireplace-warmed tent at the Lemoses’ home for the speaking program and desserts.

House of Hope board president Brian Bush introduced its executive director, Deb Chausse, who marveled at the turnout of 150 supporters and thanked them for the $25,000 the benefit raised. She noted that the sum “buys a lot of Pampers” and other necessities for the 14 families helped by House of Hope in Lowell.

“There are more than 2,400 homeless families in Massachusetts today — over 500 of them in motels in communities like Chelmsford,” Chausse said. House of Hope housing, she added, “supports them at a fraction of the cost of shelter motels.”

She thanked the hosts, guests and committee members Jill Adamy, Terry O’Connor, Elaine Zouzas Thibault, June Messina and Doreen Cormier, as well as the Thibault Foundation, Harrington Wine and Liquors, Two Chefs and Bianco Catering for generous gifts. The party was topped off with a lively auction of collector sports items and admission, conducted by Richard Jumpp.

Among those present were Norm and Joy Deschene, Nancy Donahue, John Thibault, Kathleen and Michael Holland, Robert and Joanne Hatem, Laurie Gold and Stephen Ansolabehere, Diane and Dave Earl, Lynne Faust, Mary Ellen Fitzpatrick, Carolyn and Bob Gregoire, Mayor Bud Caulfield, Nancy Julianelle, Judy Jumpp, Peter Kaskons, Susan and Police Supt. Kenneth Lavallee, Donna and George Leahey, state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos, William and Adrienne Lemos, Steve and Judy Mallette, Ted and Karen Cawley, Win and Wendy Brown, Esther and Kendall Wallace, Jim Campanini and Mary Lee Harrington, Andrew and Keri Boyle, Sean and Erin Rourke, Patty and Frank Talty, Ed and Patty Schuler, Dan and Tarina Mansur, Peter Zarilla, Bill Quigley, Jack O’Connor.