A Night of Hope raises money for community
Gian Paul Gonzalez is the founder and executive director of Hope + Future. Its mission is to provide health and wellness programs for youth to give them hope in their academic, social and economic future.
A Night of Hope is coming Saturday, Nov. 5 to St. Clement’s Parish Hall in Navarre. The evening, sponsored by Fairless Alumni Association, will have dinner and the chance to hear from Gian Paul Gonzalez.
“The Night of Hope is our community coming together to share in a great experience,” Annie Schultz of the Alumni Association said, “and to support the work that our association does in the community.”
Since the group’s inception, more than $370,000 has been distributed to local causes.
“This is the fourth such event we’ve done,” said Mike Hearn, Fairless Schools deputy superintendent. “We wanted to create an event the community could be proud of, and we’ve sought out extraordinary speakers. Our first year we had former Cleveland Browns coach Sam Rutigliano, who was a fantastic speaker. It’s grown every year, and we’ve always sold out.”
The COVID-19 pandemic halted the Alumni Association’s public fundraising efforts for the past two years. “This is our year to get back into it and bring this great evening back to the area,” Hearn said. “It has always been a good representation of local businesses and people coming together, and we’re glad to be doing it again this year.”
Keynote speaker Gonzalez’s presentation has been delivered across the country, speaking before groups at General Motors, Anheuser-Busch, Mercedes-Benz, Sam’s Club, The Military Academy at West Point and numerous professional sports teams.
“Gian Paul Gonzalez inspires hope through the power of commitment and positivity,” Schultz said. “He is a very well-known and excellent speaker.”
Sponsorships for A Night of Hope are available at the $1,000 blue level including a private meeting with Gonzalez and other benefits. A silver $500 sponsorship also is available.
Tickets to attend A Night of Hope are $50, which includes an Italian buffet by Bararducci Catering/Bella Sera, opening music by John Chapman, honoring Fairless Hall of Honor inductees, the keynote speaker and dancing to the music of LaFlavour.
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available, and a live auction of donated items also will be included.
“Auction items are great packages and usually include pro sports tickets and other great prizes,” Schultz said. “We have welcomed more than 300 people in the past. Tickets sell out, so it’s a good idea to get them early.”
“A Night of Hope raises money for things that are important in the community,” Hearn said. “We buy school supplies for Fairless schools and leave little that parents have to actually buy for their kids. We fund a summer children’s meal program for families in need. We award scholarships each year and stock a pantry at each of the three buildings with food and clothing if families need them. These are things that are important, and we do a lot to make our community better.”
Hearn said the annual event has always been well supported by the community. “It is a sold-out evening, and we are grateful for the community support we receive,” he said.
St. Clement’s Parish Hall is at 216 E. Wooster St., Navarre. For tickets or sponsorship information, call 330-605-1935 or 330-327-6819.
Learn more about Gonzalez at www.gianpaulgonzalez.com.