The Gala was a wonderful evening of celebrating together what God has done through Hope Rising in the past year, and looking forward to what God is calling us to do in the future. Around 550 guests attended the event with good food, great speakers, and fellowship with other life-minded people from our area. Our newly redesigned “Experience Hope Rising” Ministry Tour featured an immersive walk-through of the various free programs and services offered to clients, complete with guests ringing a bell at the end of the tour to reaffirm their own salvation.
What an awesome privilege it was for those in attendance to hear our brave clients, Angela and Jessi and Colin, share their stories of hope and healing through the support and services they received at Hope Rising. What was even more fun was having them in attendance at the Gala with their spouses. One of their sweet babies was also an honored guest! God writes such beautiful and complete stories.
Hope Rising’s Executive Director, Sheri Lawson, reminded everyone in attendance that as an organization, we need to do two things exceptionally well: 1) Have trained people ready to speak the truth in a way that connects to people considering abortion and 2) Ensure that women considering abortion come to Hope Rising. Sheri also shared our vision for turning the tide, to not just focus on being on the defense, but to go on the offense by aggressively sharing the message of sexual integrity in local schools and churches.
Our speaker, Steventhen Holland, shared his remarkable story of redemption after being conceived in rape and being born to a severely mentally challenged young mother. His story was full of hope, humor, and forgiveness. He even shared a video of the day he was able to meet his birth mom face-to-face. There weren’t too many dry eyes in the crowd after getting a chance to watch that heartwarming encounter. His inspiring talk was a good reminder to all of us of why we do what we do and the eternal impact it can have. The fact that Steventhen Holland is alive to tell his story is a miracle. He easily could have been what most in America would say is an “acceptable abortion”…his severely mentally-challenged mother was gang-raped as a teenager and she had no ability to raise him. At 38 weeks pregnant, she was homeless and living in a cardboard box. You have to hear his story to truly appreciate how God can redeem any situation.
Around $460,000 was given or pledged at this year’s Gala. We are so thankful for God’s continued faithfulness and watchful care!
We know there were some of you who wanted to attend but couldn’t for whatever reason. We wanted to give you an opportunity to financially partner with us in our mission to protect the unborn and proclaim the Gospel.
If you weren’t able to join us for our evening together, here is a video of the complete program.
Dean’s Plumbing
Jack & Carolyn Ewig
Good Comma Editing
Teresa Hennen Realtor LLC
3 Anonymous Sponsors
93.7 the Light WFCJ & Hope 100.7 WEEC
Funmi & Gideon Adegbile
Pete & Kathy Avnaim, Beacon Insurance Agency
Phillip & Pamela Black
Cedarville University
Christian Blue Pages
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Faith and Friends Radio
Grace Christian Fellowship of Dayton
Patterson Park Church
Promedia Video Productions
Gary & Heather Schoettmer
Trojan Auto Care
In Memory of Sandi Hadick
Advanced OB/Gyn Care of SW Ohio:
William R. Dorsey DO
Trisha Pachiano DO
Carolyn Armstrong
Andy & Beth Black
Bon Builders, Inc. – Dana Shoup, RA
Chuck & Garnet Bristol
Centerville Community Church
Centerville Service Center
Christian Life Center
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Conover
Customformed Products
Dean’s Landscaping, Inc.
The Dunaway Family
Faith Baptist Church/Beavercreek
David Geiger
Allen Gilbar/Danna Lilly
Jim & Cindy Good
Grace Baptist Church/Troy
Tom & Lisa Hamilton
Curtis & Carolyn High
Dr. & Mrs. Joshua Jacobson
Steve & Sue Justice
Kirkmont Presbyterian Church
John & Barbara Korb
Ron & Linda Miller
Mayor Robin & Mr. Scott Oda
Logan & Cassie Pals
Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Steven & Susan Sato
Sonshine Commercial Cleaning
South Dayton Presbyterian Church
Upper Room/Tipp City
Victory Church/Fairborn
Drs. John & Connie Vitaliti
Blair & Marcie Watkinson
Wellspring Baptist Church
Zach & Hayley Woodward
3 Anonymous Sponsors
In Loving Memory of Precious One, the Baldschun Family, & Nancy McLaughlin
Douglas & Sharon Brook
Jerry & Diana Caldwell
Calvary Open Bible Church
Cedarville Republican Club
Centerville Christian Fellowship
Centerville Community Church Small Group
Charis Ministry
The English Family
Fairhaven Church
Fairview BIC Church
Fearless Church
Chris & Joy Georgakas
Grace Lutheran Church/West Carrollton
Jeff & Amber Hole
Huber Heights First Baptist Church
The Jergens Family
Adam & Jessica Josefczyk
Koinos Church/Troy
Patrick Laughter
Sheri Lawson
Nick & Amanda Leimbach
Living Word Church
Dr. & Mrs. Randy Marriott
Miles & Co./Fearless Church
Northern Hills Christian Church
PicSnippets
Pleasant Grove Missionary Church
Patricia Puckett
Marlon & Amanda Pummill
Marv, Lori, & Hannah Pummill
Dan & Kathy Raisch
M. Jennifer Reno
Roberson Law
Phil & Jo Anne Rohrer
Jeff & Beth Schultz
Sovereign Grace Church Dayton
Springboro Baptist Church
Lowell & Leny Tenpas
Dan & Patti Tubbs
University Baptist Church
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wojtowicz
4 Anonymous Sponsors