Huntsmans encourage the public to join them in donating to important programs and services
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 18, 2017 –The Road Home announced that the Jon M. Huntsman family has committed $1.2 million dollars to support the local charity’s Holiday Media-a -Thon, December 20 – 21, 2017. It is the largest fundraiser for the non-profit social services agency and provides critical funding support for essential programs and services to help Utahns overcome homelessness. In a show of gratitude for community support The Jon M. Huntsman Family Foundation will match $1.2 million that the community donates.
It was January 3, 1992 when Jon Huntsman, while en route with his family to the University Hospital for his prostate cancer surgery, gave the first $1 million gift to The Road Home homeless shelter. The 2017 holiday season begins the 26th year of matching funds for the non-profit’s homeless programs in Salt Lake City.
These funds were used to start the Jon M. Huntsman Family Community Shelter Trust so that these funds could continue to grow. “The Jon M. Huntsman Community Shelter Trust, during the past 25 years, has donated $5.26 million for operations and upkeep to the shelter, and currently has an existing balance of $9 million. This includes the Huntsmans’ most recent matching gift of $1.2 million,” said Christena Huntsman Durham, Trustee for The Road Home. Durham stresses the importance of her father’s gift through encouraging others to match funds.
Over the years these funds continue to be a valuable source of assistance to the homeless. “Our family is thrilled to be part of this important program that helps the less fortunate, particularly during this most difficult time of year,” continued Durham.
The Road Home’s goal is raise $3.5 million during the Media-a-Thon to ensure that the 10,853 people they serve each year will have a warm place to sleep and the opportunity to move back into the community in housing.
Matt Minkevitch, executive director of The Road Home, said, “Words cannot express my profound gratitude for the generosity of Mr. Huntsman and his family. Our team appreciates the way in which the Huntsman family, and all our sponsors help to support our broad base of generous supporters. This support combines to help us to serve all who turn to us in their moment of need. We are fortunate to have Broadway Media Group, Bonneville International radio stations, and KUTV2 join us once again for the 23rd annual Media-Thon. We would ask the public to be generous in making donations. Each dollar donated directly funds the needs of the homeless, beyond local government and other assistance. We are particularly grateful to our thousands of donors each year who participate with the Huntsmans in this critical year-end fund drive.”
Donations can be made at theroadhome.org.