Family Promise hosts breakfast with Ben Vereen

Family Promise of Sarasota aimed high for its fundraiser at Michaels On East on April 25.

The organization, which provides housing and support programs for homeless families in Sarasota, hosted Tony Award-winning actor, dancer and singer Ben Vereen. 

The event marked Family Promise's most ambitious fundraising effort. The organization serves three families at a time because of logistical constraints, but is hoping to grow. 

"I would love to double our capacity," Network Director for Family Promise of Sarasota Becky Taylor said. "Our services are pretty comprehensive. We just need to serve more families."

Before Vereen spoke, guests got to hear from Family Promise program participants such as Jerika Wartenbe. 

Wartenbe and her family are currently participating in the Family Promise program. Her family was able to find permanent housing because of the support of Family Promise. 

"We have hope," Wartenbe said. "We have a promise that we can find housing in due time ... Family Promise has just been the biggest blessing."

**this article was amended on May 4 at 5:33 p.m. to show Wartenbe's correct status in the Family Promise program.