House of Mercy Charity Ball surpasses $345,000; announces winners

The 2026 House of Mercy Homeless Center Charity Ball, held October 10 at the Holiday Inn Express in Janesville, brought together 325 guests and raised more than $348,000 to benefit the center and its residents. The evening featured a fundraising appeal to renovate the kitchen at the House of Mercy Homeless Center, which is housed in a building dating back to the 1950s. The improvements will provide needed updates and create more space for families to share meals.

Community raffle winners include:

• $2,500 cash (donated by Thiele Roofing & Construction): Brett Grady-Janesville, WI
• $1,500 gift certificate to the Diamond Center: Andrew Stonehocker-Janesville, WI
• $1,000 gift certificate to the Janesville Comfort Shoppe: Molly Folts-Beloit, WI
• $500 (donated by E & D Waterworks): William Coppernoll - Freeport, IL

"We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this year's Charity Ball possible-our generous donors, sponsors, event committee, volunteers, attendees, and all who contributed their time, talents, and resources," said Jennifer Johns, Director of the Mercyhealth Foundation. "Our community's generosity goes far beyond a single evening; it provides hope, strengthens our community, and helps ensure that the House of Mercy can continue serving those who need us most."

The House of Mercy celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. Located at 320 Lincoln St. in Janesville, the House of Mercy is a 25-bed homeless center that provides families experiencing homelessness throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois with short-term emergency shelter and access to housing, job placement and child care resources. Staff at the center help families assess their needs, obtain appropriate referrals and services, and design an action plan to help them achieve more stable housing.