These 60's oldies but goodies moved tapping toes to the center of the Four Seasons Hotel dance floor flanked by over 400 distinguished building industry and community notables on hand to honor the Building Industry Association and its associates for their support of HomeAid Orange County's shelter development program serving homeless men, women and children.

HomeAid's seventh annual "Ocean's 11" Rainbow of Hope Ball chaired by Michelle Pate and Toni Blackman, included a hosted bar; five-course gourmet meal; casino gambling; and both a live and silent auction; garnering proceeds topping out at nearly $160,000.

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF (July 11, 2005) HomeAid Orange County recently honored the building industry and its associates for their contributions in support of Orange County's homeless men, women and children. Attended by 400 distinguished building industry and community notables, the seventh annual Rainbow of Hope Ball chaired by Michelle Pate, of Keystone Pacific Property Management, and Toni Blackman garnered proceeds topping out at nearly $160,000. Event earnings are slated to benefit HomeAid Orange County's shelter development program, now in its 16th year as the Building Industry Association of Southern California's charitable outreach.

The event hosted by HomeAid Orange County board president, Michael Schlesinger, vice president Land Group for LNR Property Corporation included a live auction led by Chuck Dreyer of K. Hovnanian Homes, with entertainment in support of the "Ocean's 11" theme, provided by the Rat Pack Revue direct from Las Vegas.

As a special treat, Fullerton Interfaith graduate, Michelle Ditzler spoke to the audience telling her unique story of her unexpected downward spiral to homelessness generated by the unforeseen desertion and unemployment. "When I was caught without a support system and four young children to care for I found myself without an income, and it wasn't long before I was in trouble," explained Ditzler.

"I had nowhere to turn and wasn't experienced in the work force and found myself broke and deserted. Thankfully, I found Fullerton Interfaith New Vista Shelter where my children and I were cared for and where I could get back on my feet…those days are behind me now and I am back on track still at the job I found five years ago while living at the shelter. My kids are all successful and we are living productive lives… I don't know what would have happened to us if it hadn't been for Fullerton Interfaith and HomeAid Orange County."

The evening culminated with The Rainbow of Hope 2005 Awards presented to: Brian Geis and Adrian Foley of Brookfield Homes who received the Rainbow of Hope Builder Award; Butch Ortiz of Bragg Companies who garnered outstanding Volunteer; and Barbara Johnson of Fullerton Interfaith New Vista who was presented with the Rainbow of Hope Care Provider Award.

Peninsula Publishing received the Rainbow of Hope Corporate Partner Award accepted by Nick Slevin; Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects was honored with the Rainbow of Hope Consultant Award accepted by Mark Kiner; and the Rainbow of Hope Sub-Contractor Award went to both ValleyCrest Landscape accepted by Tom Donnelly and Leonard's Carpets accepted by Lorna Puryear.

HomeAid Orange County, the founding chapter of HomeAid America, was established by the leadership of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in 1989. Charged with the mission of building and renovating shelters for homeless Orange County men, women and children, HomeAid serves women in crisis pregnancy; abused children; victims of domestic violence; homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS; the mentally challenge; homeless youth; and those families and individuals who find themselves homeless as a result of job loss or catastrophic illness. To date, HomeAid has completed 37 shelter developments.

For more information call (949) 553-9510 or visit www.homeaidoc.org.