Raising a Roof

By Linda Palacios
CincyChic.com

Former Ben-Gal Cheerleader Brooke Griffin always pictured homelessness as the panhandling men on the street until she learned about the Welcome House of Northern Kentucky. Once she saw that reality of homelessness, including women her age without a place to live, she knew she wanted to do something to help — but what?

Looking for some help in answering that question, Griffin wrote into Redbook magazine, and they had some ideas. They sent Griffin If it Takes a Village, Build One, a book by Mallak Compton-Rock (Chris Rock’s wife), and then they set her up with conference calls with Compton-Rock to help brainstorm ideas.

Griffin decided on a goal to raise enough money to support the Welcome House for a year, and she wanted to hold a charity gala to do it. Without any funds to start up, she hit the streets for willing donors.

In a matter of four weeks, Donna Salyers of the Madison stepped up to the plate to offer a venue and food. Kevin Ford, who had been Griffin’s wedding florist, took care of the décor with flowers and linens. Ford put Griffin in touch with Brittany Ruby, Jeff Ruby’s daughter, and she donated two food stations. One after another vendors jumped on board with the event until a full-fledged gala was ready to go with every detail donated.

Through all of the planning, the Welcome House Outreach, a.k.a. the WHO Women helped Griffin make everything happen. And each of the women brought in more volunteers to help with the cause.

“Yes, it was my idea, but it never would have happened without the help and the love of our community,” Griffin says.

So with that community support, the gala sold out four days before the event, and Compton-Rock even came to the event. With Channel 12 Chief Meteorologist Steve Raleigh as emcee and auctioneer, both a live auction and a silent auction worked toward Griffin’s goal. Even the 100 Mylar heart balloons that decorated the place were sold for the Welcome House.

At the end of the night, Griffin had helped raise almost $40,000. While Griffin didn’t meet her original goal of $90,000 (the annual overhead of the Welcome House), donations continue to come into the organization, especially after Griffin’s efforts were spotlighted in Redbook itself. (Read the story here.)

To learn more about the Welcome House and how you can help, head to WelcomeHouseKy.org.