The 21st Night of September—
Hope's Disco Gala
The 21st night of September came alive with bright lights, funky vibes, groovy outfits, and overwhelming support from our community. With nearly 130 attendees filling the room with far-out energy, the event was a celebration—not just of the era of disco—but of Hope’s mission to support Alaskans with disabilities. We are excited to announce that the evening raised more than $76,000, all of which will go directly toward funding Hope's essential programs and unfunded services.
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the night than with a welcome speech from Mayor LaFrance, who also grooved the night away with us! The Gala’s emcee, Camille Conte, kept the energy high throughout the night. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and attendees. Without your generosity, this night would not have been the incredible success that it was. Every donation, large or small, helps us continue to provide essential services to people who experience disabilities, including safe housing, recreational programs, and creative spaces like Hope Studios.
The live auction was one of the evening's highlight, filled with exciting items including a trip to Mexico, tickets to see Earth, Wind & Fire live in Las Vegas, dinner with Anchorage’s Firehouse Station 14, tickets on the Alaska Railroad to Chena Hot Springs, and one-of-a-kind art pieces from our Hope Studios artists. The auction also featured an array of thoughtful gift baskets, each donated by our community members and employees, making the bidding both exciting and impactful. Guests were given a chance to directly support several of Hope's unfunded initiatives, including the Denali Village Intentional Neighborhood, Community Engagement Summer Camp, Discovery Center & Hope Studios, Recreational and Outdoor Programs, and Safe and Accessible Housing. These programs are central to our mission and touch the lives of many across Alaska, providing community, safety, and enrichment for people and families who need it most.
2024 Journey Award
At the Disco Gala, we had the honor of presenting the Journey Award to a remarkable woman named Becky Twitchell, who was born on December 26, 1941, in Akiak, Alaska, as the third of ten children. Becky's life is a powerful story of resilience and triumph, having been born three months prematurely and facing numerous challenges from the start. At the age of 14, she was sent thousands of miles away to Morningside Hospital in Portland, Oregon, along with many other Alaskans with disabilities, but her mother fought to bring her home, and after three years, successfully reunited her with her family. Despite facing various barriers throughout her life, Becky thrived by working different jobs and building strong connections with friends and family. Now residing in Kodiak, Becky enjoys painting, attending church, participating in activities at the Senior Center, and cherishing time with her loved ones. Her strength and determination remind us of the incredible power of the human spirit, making it a privilege to celebrate her journey with this award.
2024 Outstanding Community Partnership Award
We also proudly presented the Community Partnership Award to Alaska Frontier Services and its owners, Max and Gina Withrow, for their support of Hope’s mission. For more than 56 years, Hope has provided safe and affordable housing for the people who choose our services, but the role of landlord comes with additional costs not reimbursed by the State, requiring Hope to seek multiple partnerships to safely maintain the housing we have purchased. Alaska Frontier Services, established in 1992, became one of these amazing partners, providing critical services that ensure accessibility for a multitude of Hope’s properties. Max and Gina and their team have provided stellar and economical snow plowing and driveway repair and paving services for Hope. While the results may simply look like a well-maintained driveway, their efforts reflect our mutual belief that accessibility is a fundamental right. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alaska Frontier Services for their partnership and for supporting mission-driven work with their talent and heart.
Your Support is Making a Difference
The Disco Gala was not just a night of fun and fundraising; it was a celebration of community. Every person who attended, donated, or volunteered played an important part in helping Hope achieve our mission. The funds raised will go a long way in sustaining and expanding our essential programs, ensuring that the people we support have access to the resources they need to live meaningful lives.
We invite you to stay connected with Hope by following us on Facebook and Instagram, where you can see event highlights, photos from the Gala, and keep up with future opportunities to get involved.
To everyone who helped make the Disco Gala such an unforgettable evening—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply showing up in your grooviest disco attire—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your contributions are helping to create a brighter future for Alaskans with disabilities.
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