Harford Family House hit a grand slam for the community as its annual Home Runs for the Homeless event raised a record-breaking $109,817, making it the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history. Since the event’s inception in 2009, Home Runs for the Homeless has raised an incredible $900,000 to help end homelessness in Harford County.
Held on July 22 at Union Field at Ripken Stadium, this year’s sold-out home run derby brought together a record 33 teams of men and women who competed throughout the day to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Harford County.
The event also achieved another milestone with participants raising a record $37,612.00 through crowdfunding, demonstrating the extraordinary generosity of supporters who rallied friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to advance the mission of Harford Family House.
“Home Runs for the Homeless continues to show what is possible when our community comes together for a common purpose,” said Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House. “Every dollar raised represents hope for someone experiencing homelessness. This record-breaking event means more families will have access to safe shelter, stable housing, and the support they need to rebuild their lives. We are incredibly grateful to every participant, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this day possible.”
This year’s event welcomed a record 33 teams and more than 110 volunteers, all working together to make the event the largest in its 17-year history.
Funds raised through Home Runs for the Homeless directly support Harford Family House’s comprehensive programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services that help families and individuals achieve long-term independence.
As the need for homelessness services continues to grow in Harford County, these funds will also help support Harford Family House’s ongoing expansion efforts. The organization is expanding its Belcamp Emergency Shelter by adding four family-emergency shelter apartments. The first dedicated emergency shelter for families in its history, and eight additional beds for women. In Aberdeen, Harford Family House is developing 10 new short-term family housing units to provide safe, stable housing for families in crisis while they work toward permanent housing solutions.
“Our success isn’t measured only by dollars raised or home runs hit,” Tomechko added. “It’s measured by the lives that will be changed because our community chose to stand with people experiencing homelessness. We couldn’t be more thankful for the overwhelming support.”
Harford Family House extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors, volunteers, participants, donors and community partners whose generosity made this historic day possible. In particular, the event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors including Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Bob Ward Trademark Custom Homes, the Aberdeen Ironbirds, IBEW 24 Union Field at Ripken Stadium, Harford Bank and Baseball 4 Causes. Special shout-out to Home Runs for a Home sponsor Tar Heel Construction who donated for every home run hit during the event; a whopping 64 home runs were launched this year, which was another event record!
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners:
Event Champions: JHU Bomb Squad
Corporate Champions: Harford Financial Group
Officers Cup: Harford County Sheriff’s Union
Georgia Peach Baseball Award: Madison Knight, Harford Community College
Georgia Peach Softball Award: Allison Pomroy, Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Silver Slugger Award: Logan Scully, JHU Bomb Squad
Top Crowdfunder: Captain Will Reiber, Aberdeen Police Department
Mark Logsdon Award: Will Reiber, FOP Lodge 128 Aberdeen
Top Crowdfunder: Will Reiber, FOP Lodge 128 Aberdeen