An Evening of Hope Gala A Night in Morocco Benefiting Hope’s Door

(November 10, 2015)     An Evening of Hope Gala benefiting Hope’s Door rocked the night Moroccan-style at the Hilton Dallas/Plano recently. Chaired by Amanda Ward and Michelle Rivera, A Night in Morocco transformed the venue into an exquisite chic party full of richly colored jewel-toned draped tents, tables and ladies and gents in elegantly trussed fashions.

[Slideshow photo: Gala chairs  Michelle Rivera and Amanda Ward. Linda Snorina, After Party co-chair. Not pictured: After Party co-chair Sara Dawn Wilkins, who was out of town. Glenn Beck, a recipient of the Heroes of Hope Award, (not pictured: along with his wife Tania) and their foundation, Mercury One; Honorary Chairs Mioshi Johnson, Chris Johnson. ]

Guests were met at valet by Irenie, the camel, for fun photos then entered reception where an eight-foot tall display by Flora & Eventi Design team featured a peacock covered in lush flowers surrounded with candles floating in water set the scene for a round of luxe photo ops. Guests sipped cocktails from Grey Goose and a surprise champagne bar by Korbel, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and wine pull. The VIP party featured a tent swathed in luscious white and gold draping, tables full of culinary delights, champagne and custom cocktails Casablanca with Grey Goose and Cucumber Delights, a Bombay specialty.

Inside the ballroom, everyone fell silent as the music and lighting changed dramatically to spotlight the Arya Dance Company as they performed traditional Indian dances to the sounds of live music.

After the presentation, Heather Hays, Fox4 News anchor and emcee welcomed the crowd and introduced the gala chars. Amanda and Michelle thanked honorary chairs Mioshi and Chris Johnson and After Party chairs Linda Snorina and Sara Dawn Wilkins. Heather reminded everyone about Hope’s Door mission to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and to provide educational programs that enhance the community’s capacity to respond.

She recognized Mercury One as Auction Sponsor, along with Sapphire Sponsors Republic National Distributing Company, Hollman, Rent-A-Center and Emerald Sponsors Denbury, Emerson Process Management, LegacyTexas, The Medical Center of Plano and Pier 1 Imports and more.

Jim Malatich, CEO of Hope’s Door, shared a story about relationships and solutions, followed by a dramatic video showcasing the reality of children learning about family violence first-hand.

Suzanne Bock Grishman, Chief Development Officer, presented the Heroes of Hope Award to honorees Tania and Glenn Beck and their foundation, Mercury One Inc. for their commitment to being a voice for families affected by domestic violence. The award honors an individual, company or organization for outstanding work on behalf of Hope’s Door, Inc., and its clients. Presented annually, the award recognizes contributions during the previous year or in honor of a cumulative body of work in support of Hope’s Door. Accepting the award were Glenn Beck and Beth Knott, Interim Executive Director of Mercury One, Inc.

Glenn shared his personal story of family violence, saying, “Sadly, domestic violence is something I witnessed first-hand as a child and it took a tragic toll on my family. Tania and I are dedicated to raising awareness about this serious issue that too often goes unaddressed. We are so grateful for organizations like Hope’s Door that offer vital services to those who are affected.”

Hope’s Door President of the Board, Mathew Grynwald, welcomed honorary chairs Mioshi and Chris Johnson. Mioshi spoke about their experience with family violence and turned the podium over to Chris, who, in an emotionally charged story, shared the details of his sister’s tragic death due to domestic violence and how it has affected his life. A Super Bowl XLVII champ with the Baltimore Ravens, this professional athlete turned businessman and outspoken advocate brought the room to complete attentive quiet as he related that horrible event. He ended saying, “People need to understand how serious domestic violence is, how it can turn the whole family upside down in seconds.”  He said he truly believes that education and counseling is the answer to making a change in society for the better. A rousing standing ovation followed, with many moved to tears.
After the raffle and the call for donations in the Fund-A-Need, a spirited live auction topped off the program, followed by dancing to the tunes of Memphis Soul.

Outside on the patio, the crowd joined in the After Party experience and lounge, continuing the evening’s festivities under clear skies, enjoying desserts, cocktails and a live DJ.

Hope’s Door is an organization in Collin County specializing in comprehensive intervention and prevention services for all members of a family affected by domestic violence – from victim to abuser. Hope’s Door was established in 1986 as a crisis hotline. Clients were housed in local hotels until the opening of a 21-bed emergency shelter in 1989. Since then, services have expanded to include transitional housing, counseling for adults and children, legal advocacy and services for abusers. Annually, Hope’s Door responds to over 2,800 crisis hotline calls, shelters more than 400 women and children, houses over 50 families in transitional housing and provides counseling and legal advocacy to more than 1,300 survivors.

Gala Team:

For more information about Hope’s Door, visit the website at http://www.hopesdoorinc.org or call 972-422-2911 for general information or the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 972-422-7233.

Photos by Matthew Shelley. Adams Communications Public Relations is honored to represent Hope’s Door.