Last Friday night, while most of the region headed home, two members of Donaldson’s executive team zipped up their sleeping bags, pulled on their Donaldson beanies, and prepared to spend the night outside to raise money and awareness for an important cause.
Angelique Wheelock, SVP of Operations, and Jeanette Stahli, SVP of Human Resources, participated in the Covenant House Sleep Out with the Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA) team, an experience designed to raise awareness and critical funds for young people facing homelessness and trafficking. The Sleep Out movement invites participants to give up their beds for one night in order to provide safe shelter, caring staff, warm meals, medical services, and the kind of stability every young person deserves.
The night started off on an upbeat note as everyone settled in and set up their sleeping areas with only a sleeping blanket or tarp. No pillows were allowed. Then, the temperature dropped, the ground hardened, and the night felt long. And that was exactly the point.
For Angelique and Jeanette, however, the impact of the evening went far beyond physical discomfort. Before going to sleep, they heard personal stories from Covenant House youth that stayed with them- stories of resilience, fear, hope, and transformation. It was those voices that resonated the most.
“No young person should ever have to wonder where they will sleep or if they are safe,” said Angelique. “Covenant House gives them safety, stability, and unconditional support. Spending one night outside pales in comparison to what these young people endure, and it reminds us why this mission is so important.”
Jeanette described the night as both humbling and deeply motivating.
“It really opens your eyes to how vital dignity, compassion, and consistency are for young people rebuilding their lives,” she shared. “Covenant House doesn’t just provide shelter. They provide hope. I was honored to sleep out and support an organization that shows up for youth every single day.”
Covenant House serves more than 2,000 youth each day across the U.S. and internationally. The national Sleep Out movement generates millions of dollars annually to ensure that doors remain open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
By joining the AOBA Sleep Out team, Angelique and Jeanette raised funds that directly support emergency shelter, education and workforce programs, mental and physical healthcare, crisis intervention, and long-term support for independence. Their participation also reflects Donaldson’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we serve, not only through housing, but through compassion, advocacy, and meaningful partnerships.
As the sun came up the next morning, Angelique and Jeanette packed up their sleeping bags- tired, a little sore, but filled with purpose. Their night outside was a small gesture, but for the young people who rely on Covenant House, the impact is enormous.
This year, the AOBA Sleep Out team collectively raised well over $15,000, demonstrating the incredible impact that can happen when industry partners unite for a shared purpose. Their efforts will help ensure that Covenant House can continue opening doors, providing safety, and offering hope to young people who need it most.
Both Stahli’s and Wheelock’s fundraising pages remain open for anyone who would like to help Covenant House continue its mission:
- Donate to Angelique Wheelock’s Campaign: https://www.sleepout.org/participants/63388
- Donate to Jeanette Stahli’s Campaign: https://www.sleepout.org/participants/64037
Learn more about the Sleep Out movement at: https://www.sleepout.org/movement