Captured Event

September, 27 2009 - Still Hope Foundation's 2009 Hope Gala and Auction

What: 2009 Hope Gala and Auction

Where: Norfolk Waterside Marriott

When: Saturday, September 26, 2009

Time: 7:00p.m.

Ticket Prices: $100.00

Beneficiary: Still Hope Foundation

Mistress of Ceremonies: Alveta Ewell, Anchor, WAVY TV 10 News

Presenting Sponsor(s): Towne Bank

Co-Chair(s): Ann Nusbaum, Julia "Suni" Winslett, Tony Brothers

Executive Director: Monica Brothers

President(s): Julia "Suni" Winslett

Invocation: Cheryl Kelly

Welcome: Whoopi Goldberg

Entertainment: Progression and The Manhattans

Auctioneer: Jim Abicht

Attendance: 600

Attire: Blacktie Optional

Board of Directors: Capt. Julia "Suni" Winslett, William Foster, Kim Y. Miller, Lisa Harbour-Carter, Monica Y. Brothers, L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, Tony Brothers, Honorable John W. Brown, Barbara King Hart, Barbara Johnson, Mary Pat Liggio, Joyce Niles, Alan Nusbaum

Blacktie Photos by: Rachel Teyssier and Patricia Crowley

Still Hope Foundations 2009 Hope Gala and Auction
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The Still Hope Foundation held the 2nd Annual Hope Gala and Auction on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.  

The evening started off with a grand suprise, as the 600 + guests were treated to welcome via video by well known comedian Whoopi Goldberg.  Goldberg added humor to her important message, which was to spend money that evening and support the Still Hope Foundation.  As her video came to a close, Mistress of Ceremonies, WAVY TV 10 News Anchor Alveta Ewell took the stage escorted out by her son.  Alveta Ewell commented that even she was star stuck with the thought of Whoopi Goldberg actually appearing live at the Gala.  

The Mission of the Still Hope Foundation is to empower, assist, and enhance the lives of single mothers and their families.  The vision of Still Hope Foundation is that by equipping single parent women with the necessary knowledge, resources, and support system, we can aid them in moving forward to a place of self-reliance and sufficiency; thereby allowing them to achieve the ultimate goal of sustaining a successful family unit.  

Prior to dinner being served the invocation was delivered by Cheryl Kelly and guests then enjoyed the music by Progression while dining.  Monica Brothers, Executive Director of Still Hope Foundation begin the after dinner program with information about Still Hope Foundation.  The award presentations were then handed out, first with the Special Recognition Award, followed by the Dorothy Bing Volunteer Award and finishing up with Dorian Award, which was inspired by the mothers of the founders of the Still Hope Foundation.  The Dorian Award was created to honor women of character who, despite the many obstacles of single parenting demonstrate certain criteria.  

As the live auction began, bidding was strong for the many autographed jersey's by pro-basketball and football players from many different teams.  The evening came to a close with closing remarks by Monica Brothers and Gala Co-Chair Tony Brothers.  The Manhattans then took the stage to bring the final part of the evening to a grand close.