More Roanoke families rely on community support during the holidays than many realize. To raise money for community Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for children, the Hope Center of 11th Street hosts an Annual Dinner Under the Stars event.
This year’s gathering, the fifth iteration, took place on October 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. With nearly 120 attendees, approximately $16,000 was raised. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s programs.
With Ashley Pannell serving as emcee, in addition to a catered meal by Mimi’s Pot, guests were treated to live music from Groove Kontrol and heard powerful stories about the Hope Center.
“In those three hours, we talked about the history of the Hope Center and our vision for the future. We wanted people to understand that we do much more than just give out food boxes and clothes,” Executive Director Darlene Lewis said. “We wanted people to know that we are the community. We are the arm of the community, and we are here to be what the community needs.”
She added, “We have gone through a lot at the Hope Center, but we’ve managed to still be around and do the necessary work. This begins by first listening to the needs of people. From there, we can proceed forward.”
The Hope Center offers a variety of programs and resources. Once a week, Bible Study is offered. The food pantry provides food boxes with fresh produce and meat to those in need every Tuesday and Saturday morning.
During extreme weather, the facility offers a haven, providing warmth in the cold and relief in the heat. The community enrichment classes empower individuals in their personal and professional growth. Self-care programs for seniors are also available.
The team includes Pannell, Assistant Communications Manager; Brianna Taylor, Communications Manager; Donnie Dixon, Associate Director; Shakima Carpenter, Program Director; Alice Brown, Maintenance Manager; Naomi Clements, After School Director; Yolanda Gibbs, Operations Manager; and a dedicated Board of Directors.
The dinner fundraiser is something that Lewis looks forward to every year.
“When people feel part of the community that they live in, the number of great things that can happen is limitless,” she said. “Most people don’t have the option of not worrying about money. We can operate in large part because of generous financial donations.”
For more information, visit www.hopecenterof11thst.org.
