The event raised about $200,000 from a combination of ticket sales and silent and live auctions, hosted by masters of ceremonies Jerry Belair and Jonathan Soroff, columnist for the Improper Bostonian, which was a media sponsor with WXRV 92.5 FM The River.
“The main goal is to raise funds for Friends of Boston's Homeless,” said O’Loughlin. “The money raised will help over 200 homeless men and women move beyond shelter into permanent, affordable housing. “
The event, attended by some 750 guests, highlighted the formerly homeless men and women the organization's programs serve, including a candid talk from a Cambridge man whose life was positively changed by his experience with the Serving Ourselves culinary program. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino also spoke.
Decor was minimal, with only small signs at each restaurant’s table tying in the red and blue heart logo, which was also featured on the programs. Flat-panel TVs displayed the names of the evening’s numerous sponsors throughout the bilevel venue.
Correction: This story has been changed to reflect that the event name is Beyond Shelter, not Room for Shelter.