Dave’s House Party — Built to last
What an incredible evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dave’s House Party: Built to Last on September 19, 2026 and helped make it such a meaningful celebration. Together, our sponsors, guests, partners and supporters celebrated more than 17 years of Dave’s House providing permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness. Through powerful stories, meaningful connections and a few unforgettable moments, we honored those who helped build this mission while opening the door to what comes next.
in case you missed it
Dave’s House Party: Built to Last reflected on Dave’s House’s 17-year journey and the people and partnerships that brought us to where we are today, as we prepare to break ground on Dave’s House at Celery Community.
The program began with Board Chair Elena Norman, who introduced the evening’s powerful question: “Who Is Your Dave?” Guests were invited to reflect on someone in their lives whose journey has been touched by mental illness. Nearly 75% of the room stood, creating an emotional moment that ended with everyone cheering in support.
Emcee and board member Christina Watkins shared her personal connection to the mission and helped guide guests through the Dave’s House story. Longtime board member Chris Hayes reflected on where we have been and his family’s decision to donate the five-acre property that will become Dave’s House at Celery Community.
Dave’s House CEO Ellen O’Connor and PJ Brooks, Chief Operating Officer of CASL, shared where we are headed, including exciting progress on the Dave’s House at Celery Community, our first multi-unit permanent supportive housing community for adults living with serious mental illness.
Orange County Corrections Chief Louis Quiñones spoke about the connection between mental health and the justice system and helped lead the exciting “Day in the Life of a Hero” auction experience. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award to Jonathan and Nancy Wolf of Wendover Housing Partners. Dr. Joel C. Hunter and Alan Ginsburg sharing reflections on the Wolfs’ leadership and lasting impact through affordable housing.
Incoming Board Chair Bradley Wightman brought the mission home through his deeply personal story. Christina Watkins and Tico Perez then invited guests to honor their “Daves” by helping open the door to what comes next.
In case you missed it, check out Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Headed.
Thank you for believing in us
The 2026 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award
The Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy, with a focus on advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health. Established in 2023 by Dave’s House, this annual award celebrates leaders who have made a significant impact in efforts to end homelessness and support individuals living with serious mental illnesses.
Jonathan and Nancy Wolf of Wendover Housing Partners were honored with the 2026 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of their visionary leadership in advancing affordable housing and their unwavering commitment to serving individuals and families across Central Florida. Through their work, they have not only expanded access to quality, attainable housing, but have helped shape communities where stability, dignity, and opportunity can take root. Their dedication to collaboration, innovation, and integrating supportive solutions has made a profound and lasting impact in addressing homelessness and strengthening the region’s future.
Dave’s House at Celery place
A safe home is not temporary relief—it’s the foundation for connection, and independence. Dave’s House unique “permanent supportive housing model” combines stable, affordable housing with on-site services that address mental health, wellness, and daily living needs, creating a proven pathway out of homelessness. This year’s theme, Built to Last, reflected that model in action—integrating housing and support to create lasting solutions, strengthen partnerships, and build a community where individuals don’t just find housing—they find stability and a path forward.
The 2025 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings received The 2025 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of his steadfast leadership in expanding access to mental health resources, championing affordable housing initiatives, and prioritizing community-based solutions to reduce homelessness in Orange County. His commitment to cross-sector collaboration, investment in supportive services, and efforts to strengthen the region’s mental health infrastructure have helped create pathways to stability, dignity, and recovery for thousands of Central Florida residents.
Shown Here: Elena Norman, Board Chair/Dave’s House, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Ellen O’Connor CEO/Dave’s House
The 2024 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award
Michael Griffin, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at AdventHealth, received the 2024 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy, particularly in advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health. His leadership has helped elevate critical conversations around access to care while fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, creating a meaningful and lasting impact across AdventHealth and the Central Florida community.
Shown Here: Ellen O’Connor, CEO/Dave’s House, Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Michael Griffin, Elena Norman, Board Chair/Dave’s House
The 2023 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award
Dr. Joel C. Hunter received the inaugural Legacy Award in 2023, named in his honor, for his lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy, health equity, and supporting individuals facing homelessness — a legacy we are proud to carry forward through this annual award. Dr. Hunter is the Pastor of Community Benefit at Action Church, a multi-site congregation based in Winter Park and his one-minute “Let’s Go Help Somebody” daily devotionals can be heard worldwide on 88 Radio.
Shown Here: Dr. Philip Toal, Dave’s House Board Member and Dr. Joel C. Hunter
