On the evening of Thursday, October 23, COTS held a long-awaited fundraising event, Beyond a Bed. Adorning the tables were seasonal pumpkin centerpieces (pictured above), painted by a creative resident in our Young Adult Program. During the event, attendees had an opportunity to learn more about COTS and hear testimonials from current and former residents. One of the former residents who spoke had previously been exposed to gang life. His criminal activity and alcohol addiction led him even further down a dark path. COTS provided him with the second chance that he needed. Because of what he learned in our program, he now has a car financed, he has an emergency fund and he has paid off old loans. His story truly inspired everyone in the room: “I finally love myself…Who would’ve thought a gangbanger, alcohol and drug user, 3-time felon [like me], with no high school diploma, would’ve made it this far and want to do something with my life because people gave me a second chance?” Today, he is happily sober and has plans to open a metal and paint shop with a close friend.

The $9,000 earned from this event will help COTS give other individuals experiencing homelessness a second chance. Our goal, with the help of our wonderful supporters, is to make success stories, like the one above, a reality for every individual in the COTS program.

We would like to thank Nicolet National Bank for providing $1,000 in matching funds for the event, as well as our friends at Riverview Gardens, who graciously offered us their beautiful space. And of course, thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our cause! We are truly grateful to be a part of such a giving community.