The 2nd Annual Hearts for Hope Surpassed Our Expectations

Last year, we held the Hearts for Hope Luncheon for the first time and it instantly became one of our top fundraisers. We gave attendees the opportunity to lunch, learn about Hope CommUnity Center and hear from people impacted by our work in a brief hourlong program. The response was tremendous and we raised more than $118,000 for our programs and services.

On February 10, 2014, we brought the event back and we were once again happily surprised. Our 2nd Hearts for Hope Luncheon attracted 300 attendees and raised more than $160,000 (in sponsorships, donations and match grants).

In part, we owe our success to the event speakers who shared their personal stories and gave attendees a deeper understanding of Hope’s impact. Carmen, a mother and a native Spanish speaker, described how Hope helped her learn English and empowered her as a parent (she can now confidently participate in parent-teacher conferences). Chinelo, a UCF student, spoke of finding “love and acceptance” at Hope when her home life was tumultuous. Sister Ann Kendrick told stories about evolution of Hope – how our philosophies developed, how we became involved in immigration reform, how our programs and impact grew. Together all the speakers gave attendees a good look at what Hope CommUnity Center has accomplished in 43 years and where we are headed in the future.

It was an honor to share our story with Hearts for Hope attendees and we are once agin thrilled to by the strong response. We can’t wait until next year’s event.

If you would like more information about the event or how you can make a donation or become a table captain for the 2015 luncheon, please call Michael Cantillo Director of Development at 407 880-4673 or email [email protected]

Hearts for Hope 2014 would not have been possible without support from:

Disney

Rollins College

Jackson Hewitt

Panera

HCC Board of Directors

Certified Financial Group

Regis Simasek, CPA.

Pictures from Hearts for Hope 2014

Director of Program Development Laura Firtel and HCC Volunteer Chinello

A MOMS Group participant giving testimony about her experience with Hope

Director of Development Michael Cantillo was the driving force behind the fundraiser

HCC Staff (Sister Ann, Nilka, Eli) and community supporters