More than 300 glam guests gathered at the Hotel InterContinental for the annual Evening of Hope Gala. This exciting event, hosted by co-chairs Deb SoRelle and Stephanie Mattison, raised $200,000 for Hope's Door, the shelter and counseling center that offers comprehensive programs and services designed to help break the cycle of domestic violence.
While enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvre, charitable attendees — includingCynthia Smoot, Lauren and Bradley Winton, Roland Pollard, Stephanie She, Charles Kallassy, Ted DeMarino, and State Rep. Van Taylor — began the evening by rubbing elbows with the evening's entertainment, the Gin Blossoms.
A dinner and program followed, including the requisite silent and live auctions. The most talked-about auction item of the evening? That would have to be the guitar autographed by the king of country himself, George Strait, which was a perfect complement to a pair of custom boots from Paradise Boutique. The live auction alone raised more than $35,000.
The Gin Blossoms were the men in charge of really getting the party started. The group kicked off the night with their hit song "Don’t Change for Me." Then the group took things to another level when they invited guests to join them onstage for rousing renditions of "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down."
"It was a wonderful evening, and the money we raised from generous sponsors and guests will help us continue to provide shelter and counseling services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence," said Stephanie Funk, president of Hope’s Door’s board of directors.
Gin Blossoms with event co-chairs Stephanie Mattison and Deb SoRelle
It'd be impossible not to follow them.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon
Patrick Means and Laura Harris-Means led the second line.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon
Laura Harris-Means and Young Strings student Patrick Miranda.Photo by Kristina Bowman
Lang Lang during the performance.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon
Guests danced their hearts out at the after-party.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon
