Annual “Hope Grows Here” gala on Aug. 14 honors the legacy of Jake Shuman while raising vital funds for unhoused veterans and neighbors facing hardship
An evening centered on hope, compassion and community will return to Folsom next month as Jake’s Journey Home hosts its 6th Annual Benefit Event, bringing together supporters from throughout the Sacramento region to help provide life-changing services for unhoused veterans and neighbors facing hardship.
The annual fundraiser, themed “Hope Grows Here,” will take place Friday, Aug. 14, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. As the nonprofit’s only major fundraising event of the year, the evening plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding the organization’s outreach efforts and wraparound support programs that help individuals move from crisis toward stability and renewed purpose.
Founded in memory of veteran and entrepreneur Jake Shuman, Jake’s Journey Home was created to continue the compassion, generosity and respect that defined his life. Following Shuman’s unexpected passing on Sept. 1, 2019, his family and supporters established the nonprofit to carry forward his belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity and hope.
Today, the organization operates under a simple but powerful mission: Connect. Respect. Assist.
Jake’s Journey Home connects unhoused veterans and community members experiencing hardship with comprehensive wraparound services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Rather than focusing on a single need, the nonprofit coordinates access to inpatient treatment, day programs, mental health services, therapy, medical care, job training, vocational education, higher education opportunities and peer support.
The organization also assists individuals with many of the practical needs that often become barriers to recovery and independence, including food assistance, Department of Motor Vehicles services, Social Security support, obtaining identification documents and connecting with other essential community resources. Its mission is rooted in treating every person with respect while helping ensure that tomorrow is better than today.
Those who knew Jake Shuman remember him as someone who never hesitated to help others. A veteran, small business owner and respected member of the community, he was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic and willingness to share his time, resources and opportunities with anyone in need. Organizers say his ability to make every person feel valued remains the inspiration behind the organization’s work today.
Over the past several years, Jake’s Journey Home has grown through the support of volunteers, donors and community partners, expanding its outreach while remaining focused on helping veterans and other individuals facing homelessness and difficult life circumstances find a path toward stability, healing and renewed purpose.
This year’s theme, “Hope Grows Here,” reflects the organization’s belief that hope flourishes when communities come together to support one another. Every connection made, every story shared and every dollar raised helps provide opportunities for those working to overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives.
Guests attending the benefit will enjoy a catered dinner prepared by O’Connors, live music and an evening highlighting stories of resilience and transformation from individuals whose lives have been impacted through the organization’s work. Organizers say the event is designed not only to raise critical funding, but also to celebrate the power of compassion, service and community.
The evening will also feature the organization’s annual “Fund the Need” campaign, providing attendees with an opportunity to directly support programs serving veterans and others working to overcome homelessness and life challenges.
Returning as master of ceremonies will be Doug Thomas of 96.9 The Eagle. Derek Clark, owner of The Boardwalk in Orangevale, will once again serve as auctioneer, leading the evening’s fundraising efforts, while Nicole Shuman will provide music throughout the event.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with a happy hour before the evening’s program begins. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy drinks, connect with fellow supporters and learn more about the organization’s mission before dinner is served.
Every dollar raised during the evening will help Jake’s Journey Home continue expanding its outreach throughout the region, ensuring more veterans and individuals facing hardship have access to the support, encouragement and resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Tickets are $80 per person and include dinner. Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets through the official Jake’s Journey Home 6th Annual Benefit Event Eventbrite page. Additional information about the nonprofit, its mission, programs and volunteer opportunities is available on the Jake’s Journey Home event website here.
For organizers, the evening represents more than a fundraiser. It is an opportunity for the community to honor Jake Shuman’s legacy by continuing the work that defined his life—helping others through compassion, respect and meaningful action while creating hope for those who need it most.
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