Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to open Shelter from the Storm Breakfast

(Sacramento, Calif.) – Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, an outspoken supporter of Volunteers of America’s Winter Sanctuary program, will open the nonprofit’s Shelter from the Storm Fundraising Breakfast Wednesday when more than 400 expected guests gather at the DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento (2001 Point West Way, Sacramento).

Volunteers of America’s annual breakfast event, set for 8 to 9 a.m., celebrates the men and women who had the courage to accept the hand up and out of homelessness.

Among those scheduled to attend include Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna and Sacramento City Council members Angelique Ashby and Jay Schenirer. Rick Cole, pastor of Capital Christian Center, will offer the invocation. Special music will be provided by the combined choir of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

While the backgrounds vary, what the former and current clients who take the stage Wednesday morning share is how the course of their stories changed for the better because of the intervention of the staff, volunteers and supporters of Volunteers of America.

Donations, which will be gratefully accepted, are not mandatory.

The Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America, which began as a soup kitchen and chapel in 1911, is now one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs in eight categories: homeless services; homeless shelters; substance abuse treatment and recovery services; senior services; youth services; transitional housing; permanent supportive housing; and low-income housing.

Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada boasts a paid staff of almost 300, and a volunteer roster of more than 400, who continue the mission of founders Maud and Ballington Booth to reach and uplift all people.

Through thousands of human service programs nationwide, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people in more than 400 communities.

Its ministry of service supports and empowers America’s most vulnerable groups, including former foster youth, seniors, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions.

For more information about Volunteers of America, go online at www.volunteersofamerica-sac.org, call 916.442.3691, or email info@voa-sac.org.

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Media contacts:

Christie Holderegger, Volunteers of America VP/Chief Development & Communications Officer

916.442.3691 (office); 916.213.4133 (cell); christie@voa-sac.org

Barry Wisdom, Volunteers of America Public Relations & Marketing Officer

916.442.3691 (office); 916.821.0932 (cell); barryw@voa-sac.org