SPIN’s 2026 Homecoming Gala brought both long-time and new supporters together to end family homelessness in Orange County.
Celebrity Emcee, Chef Jamie Gwen with Curtis & Jill Scheetz
Held at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, guests were treated to a decidedly elevated version of the school homecoming dance, complete with elegant decor, an exciting silent auction, a fabulous three-course meal, and top-tier entertainment. A crowd of local citizens passionate about housing families with children in need came to donate. And they did. More than a quarter million dollars was raised for the organization’s programs, including rapid-rehousing, employment counseling, financial management training, health and transportation supports, and personal and household essentials.
SPIN’s Executive Director, David Wetzel, welcomed everyone, then Mistress of Ceremonies, Chef Jamie Gwen, joined him as SPIN’s stats and successes were shared via both video and live testimonials. Recent program graduate, Samantha, shared her personal journey of homelessness to self-sufficiency, eliciting a standing ovation from the guests.
SPIN program graduate, Samantha, with Executive Director, David Wetzel
The generous giving came in significant part from SPIN Board Chair, Curtis Scheetz of Total Environmental Management (TEM) and his wife Jill. They opened the paddle-raise with a major six-figure matching gift. Additional pledges followed from donors including the Frome Family Foundation, Crawford Custom Homes & the Crawford family, George & Sharon Orff, Air Treatment Corporation, Craig & Kate Domagala, Maureen Flanagan, American Business Bank, Jim & Vicki Morris, Mary Lou & Wayne Shattuck, Michael Gilmore, John & Carolyn Couts, John & Lynn Osth, Frank & Peggi Listi, and many more.
Additional guests included members of the Scheetz family, Howard & Deborah Kummerman of the Cypress College Foundation, Tom & Crystal Cook and Jim & Carmen Hindman of TEM, Tom MacKinney of Air Treatment Corp. and his partner Laurie Jacobs, Kimberly Smith of Crawford Custom Homes and her husband Matt, and Dick & Rachel Owens of Tri-Circle Financial, to name a few.
The evening was punctuated with perfection in a dinner performance by solo singer/songwriter, Abbi Berry, followed by high-energy music and dancing delivered by TLR - The Long Run Eagles tribute band. Post-event feedback from guests included, “What an inspiring story from Samantha!”, “Great food and great company for a great cause”, and “Best gala yet!”.
Singer/songwriter, Abbi Berry performs during dinner
Headliners TLR - The Long Run Eagles tribute band
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