HOPE Fund gala has largest turnout in event’s history

POTTERS MILLS — An evening of socializing, dancing and savoring culinary treats, the Gala for HOPE was held April 23 at the General Potter Farm barn in Potters Mill. All proceeds from the event benefit the Penns Valley HOPE Fund.

Barn owner Binky Lush donated the use of the restored barn, which provided a pleasant backdrop of rustic elegance for the event. The gala featured background music provided by the Jay Vonada Quartet, food catered by Bobbie Dash, a silent auction of donated items and a raffle for a hot air balloon ride donated by The Sky’s the Limit Balloons Inc.

Following the balloon theme, helium balloons with long strings were suspended from the ceiling. As attendees donated to the HOPE Fund, each was told to “make a bang” by popping a balloon.

Gala organizer Eva Gerhart noted this year’s crowd was the biggest in the event’s history. “We sold 225 tickets,” she said.

HOPE Fund member T.J. Coursen addressed the crowd, sharing history of the charity.

Coursen was diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer in 2002, and by 2008, had incurred large medical debts. Fellow members of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall organized fundraisers for the his family, and Coursen suggested that a permanent charity be formed to help others in the area also facing medical and financial crises. From that, the Penns Valley HOPE Fund was born.

According to Coursen, since its beginning in 2008, the HOPE Fund has dispersed $400,000 to more than 150 families in the Penns Valley area.

“It’s been a real labor of love for all of us, I think,” Coursen said, as he thanked all those in attendance for supporting the HOPE Fund. “The reason we’re having the success that we are is because of this community.”

Coursen also thanked organizer Gerhart, who mentioned that the HOPE Fund is an all-volunteer organization.

“When they say they have given away $400,000, they have given away $400,000 in this community,” she said.