HOLMDEL, NJ: “Oh, What a Night.” On Saturday, December 2, The Hope for Children Foundation (HFCF) held its annual gala with this year’s theme; ‘Holiday Mix, Mingle and Jingle.’ This year’s gala marks a record breaking amount of money raised by HFCF in one night with a total of nearly $200,000 going directly to help children and families in New Jersey. This brings HFCF closer to raising $2.8 milion since founded over a decade ago. The event was held at Bell Works in Holmdel and the attendance was approximately 550. The 100% volunteer organization is a 501(C3) comprised of professionals, entrepreneurs and parents in Monmouth County. It originated in 2002 with a simple goal of “getting together with family, friends and colleagues to make a positive difference in the community by helping children in need and their families.” (http://www.hfcf.org/about/)
During the event, Phyllis and Carmine Visone of Holmdel, were honored with the Humanitarian Service Award. Co-founder of HFCF, Eric Hinds says, “It is truly an honor for HFCF to have great supporters like Phyllis and Carmine Visone. They are pillars in our community, whose philanthropic efforts are in line with the mission of HFCF. Everyone who knows Phyllis and Carmine speak of their unyielding public service, especially to the children in our community. It is a privilege for us to honor the Visone’s.” Michael and Tiffanie Salerno were also honored at the event and have been key supporters of HFCF since its inception. Michael is Second Vice President on the Board of Trustees for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County. Tiffany is a managing member of Eagan & Associates, founding board member of HFCF, and on the Board of Trustees for ARC of Monmouth County.
The whimsical mood was set for the evening as guests entered and were greeted by festively dressed stilt walkers and Santa Claus on the scene! Snow flakes magically fell from above as the crowd enjoyed exquisite hors d’oeuvres and food stations from the award winning David Ellis Events. Guests could leisurely browse and sample the 240+ varieties of premium liquor and beer donated by The Wine Academy. a handcrafted cigar station, a dance floor with DJ company; This is It. Successful live and silent auctions were held and a 50/50 raffle. The evening included The 12 Nights of Giving, where HFCF has pledged to support a dozen families in need from the proceeds of the night’s event. A great way to kick off to the season of giving!
Event Chairs
Kristie Kane and Heather Sperduto
Gala Committee
Deb Brew, Steve Coltrain, Suzanne Corcoran, Tiffanie Eagan Salerno, Eric Hinds, Karen Hinds, Susan Hammer, Adam LaRosa, Chris Lindsay, Linda Lautenberg, Dana Matina, Val Marchiano, Steve Murphy, Dawn Pakrul, Jamie Stavola, Dan Tapolow, Marybeth Walz
