On October 31st, the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center hosted the 7th annual Breakfast for Champions of the Homeless. Approximately 200 VIPs arrived at 7:30 a.m. on Halloween morning to be waited on by some of Broward County's most important community leaders and, of course, to raise money for the Broward Partnership for the Homeless.

Guests enjoyed a healthy breakfast menu that included fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon and home fries, all dished out by their "Celebrity Waiters." The BPHI Kitchen Services staff prepared the meal.

The premise of this unique fundraiser was "Tip your waiter and help the homeless." The twist was that the Celebrity Waiters were comprised of Broward County's elite, including Ralph De La Cruz, "Lifestyles" columnist of the Sun-Sentinel; Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson of the City of Fort Lauderdale; and Keith and Doreen Koenig of City Furniture.

In the spirit of Halloween each waiter arrived in costume and decorated their table. Peter Schmidt, VP of Food and Beverage for the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas, made a handsome Prince Charming and provided a sparkling crown for each lady at his Cinderella-themed table. Meanwhile, Gulfstream Media Group's Courtney Hammond served her pirate-themed table dressed as a lady buccaneer.

Clearly, all hands were on deck to benefit this important organization, which offers clothing, food, shelter, work training and job interview training among other necessities to transition homeless men, women and families into independence. Stanley Jackson, a former BPHI resident, related his experience with the organization. He spoke eloquently about how the program helped him reunite with his family, enter a culinary arts program and be on his way to becoming a chef.

The event also featured awards for members of the community who are particularly dedicated to the Broward Partnership for the Homeless. The law firm of Brinkley, Morgan, Solomon, Tatum, Stanley, Lunny & Crosby LLP was this year's recipient of the annual "Champion of the Homeless Award." The firm has been a long-time supporter of BPHI's annual gala, while individual members of the firm have generously sponsored meals for the Homeless Assistance Center's 200 residents. Firm partner Roberta Stanley has co-chaired the Breakfast for Champions of the Homeless for four years and has extensive experience as a "Celebrity Waiter."

This year's Special Recognition Award went to Integrated Regional Laboratories (IRL). Throughout the past year, IRL employees have held donation drives to collect shoes, hygiene items, towels, washcloths and new underwear for the homeless children of BPHI. IRL also underwrites every meal their employees cook and serve to residents.

In all, attendees enjoyed a fun and uplifting morning celebrating the compassion of the Broward community.