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2025 Safe Homes Gala & People of Courage Awards

Save the date for March 6, 2026 at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA

2024 People of Courage AwardeesThank you for joining us on April 4, 2025 and helping to raise over $200,000 for Safe Homes!

The annual Safe Homes Gala and People of Courage Awards raises money for the Safe Homes program, an LGBTQIA+ drop-in serving youth ages 14-23 in Worcester, North County, and online via Discord.

The People of Courage Awards honors passionate and dedicated individuals and businesses making a difference in the Central Massachusetts community.

Questions about the Gala?
Contact us at events@openskycs.org!

2025 Photo Album 2024 Photo Album 2023 Photo Album

2025 Ticket Levels

Registration for the 2026 event will open in early 2026!

Premium VIP $250
Premium VIP Table for 10 People $2,250

  • Limited number available

  • Priority seating

  • Drinks available via table service

  • Access to exclusive VIP reception beginning at 5pm

  • VIP gift

  • Access to Gala, general reception, and plated dinner, beginning at 6pm

VIP $200
VIP Table for 10 People $1,750

  • Access to exclusive VIP reception beginning at 5pm

  • VIP gift

  • Access to Gala, general reception, and plated dinner, beginning at 6pm

Supporter $100
Supporter Table for 10 People $900

  • Access to the Gala, general reception, and plated dinner, beginning at 6pm

What to Expect

  • 5pm: VIP Reception starting

  • 6pm: General Check-in

  • Silent Auction (online and items will be displayed at the event)

  • 6:30pm - Dinner

  • 7:30pm - Program (Speakers, Presentation of People of Courage Awards & Fund-A-Need)

  • Social Hour and Dance Party with DJ Joslyn Fox

People of Courage Awards

The People of Courage Awards recognize those making a difference in the local LGBTQIA+ community!

All awards will be presented at the Safe Homes Gala, April 4, 2025 at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester, MA.

2025 People of Courage Awardees

Watch the Awardees' Speeches

Community Champion Award / Matthew Gonzalez

Inspiration and Innovation Award / Heath Umbreit

People's Choice Award / Mass Youth Soccer

Public Service Award / Jason Homer

Safe Homes Partnership Award / Shane Franzen

Small Business Award / The Woo Bar & Grill

Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award / New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Youth Award / Skylar Mendez

Online Silent Auction

Opens one week before the event

Win awesome prizes like sports tickets, gift baskets, passes to local attractions, and more! Anyone can participate in bidding whether or not they are attending the Gala! 

All proceeds go directly to Safe Homes.

Having trouble with your Ready Set Auction account? Email events@openskycs.org.

Sponsorship
Thank you 2025 sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2025 Safe Homes Gala? This is a great opportunity for you or your company to show off your pride and support LGBTQIA+ youth in Central Massachusetts.

Sponsorship Deadline: March 14th

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship Guide

Please contact events@openskycs.org with any questions.

Questions about the Gala?

Contact us at events@openskycs.org!