At this year’s Shine On: A Night of Light, Hope, and Legacy Gala, one thing was unmistakably clear: when community shows up, lives are changed.

Among the more than 400 guests who filled the room, Seville neighbors stood out in a meaningful way. Their presence was felt not just in attendance but in the generosity, warmth, and shared commitment to families working to rebuild their lives at House of Refuge.

House of Refuge is a nonprofit community in Mesa dedicated to serving families experiencing homelessness, many of whom are single mothers and children, by providing transitional housing and comprehensive support services. Through safe, stable homes and programs focused on employment, education, financial literacy, and long-term stability, families are given the opportunity not just to survive, but to rebuild and thrive.

This was more than a night out.
 It was a night of purpose.

Throughout the evening, Seville residents leaned in with open hearts. Their collective impact helped drive a record-breaking night, raising over $375,000 to support families experiencing homelessness right here in our community.

Because of this generosity, families will have more than just a place to stay. They will have stability. Children will have consistency. Parents will have the tools and support to build a future defined not by their past, but by possibility.

That’s what happens when a community chooses to shine.

To our Seville neighbors, thank you. Your presence mattered. Your generosity made a difference. And your willingness to stand with families on their journey toward self-sufficiency is what makes this work possible.

You didn’t just attend.
 You helped change lives.

For more information on House of Refuge, visit houseofrefuge.org.

 

The Gala included special recognition for Kim Catalanotto, Heather Sneed, and Julie Lally. 

We asked Kim, Heather, and Julie to share what House of Refuge means to them. 

Kim Catalanotto: Supporting the House of Refuge has always been about giving back to the community I’m part of. Over the past ten years on the Gala committee, I’ve been grateful to support an organization that offers more than shelter. It creates a true sense of community and a reset for families rebuilding. In my work helping people find and sell homes across Metro Phoenix and Arizona, I’m reminded every day how much housing shapes stability and opportunity. Each year at the Gala, seeing the generosity in the room and how people rally around the mission is something I don’t take for granted and it still gives me goosebumps. A safe place to land matters, and House of Refuge creates that space for people to move forward. 

Heather Sneed: House of Refuge holds a deeply personal place in my heart because it represents hope in action - real, lasting change for families working to rebuild their lives.  For the past 7 years, I’ve been honored to support its mission through the Gala Planning Committee, and more recently by leading procurement efforts that help bring each event to life.  Seeing a community come together - through generosity, storytelling, and shared purpose reminds me why this work matters.  House of Refuge isn’t just an organization I support; it’s a cause that reflects the power of compassion, commitment, and the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Julie Lally aka "Sugar Fairy": 

Ten years ago, the House of Refuge faced the loss of its federal funding, which led to the creation of the House of Refuge Gala to help offset that loss. Together with a remarkable group of women, I committed to ensuring the program continued with the community's support, and to make sure the mission statement never wavered. We aimed to make the Gala an unforgettable evening, and my pride and joy is the Cake Auction! It has been an honor to lead this committee and collaborate with some of the finest bakeries in the valley. Each year, these bakers bring their best creations, and our Gala guests generously support families in need. It fills me with joy to witness the community and our dedicated board unite annually to affirm that every family deserves a home. The House of Refuge program provides these families with a hand up, empowering them to rebuild their lives and reshape their futures.