Throughout each year, Hannah’s Hope conducts events to raise the monies needed to fund the programs that they support, to help kids with special needs in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. None of these events would be possible without the support of their volunteers. Each year, Hannah’s Hope recognizes those volunteers that help them work towards their vision: Helping all kids with special needs reach their full potential. Monday night was that night and the room was filled with over 100 of those amazing helpers.
The evening included a taco bar dinner followed by a large sheet cake with the simple saying, “Thank You” written on it. After which, Mike Martinez, Hannah’s Hope founder, spoke to the crowd during a presentation that highlighted the accomplishments of the organization and its volunteers. Martinez began by speaking about the time we are given and how we choose to spend it. He read the following:
The Beginning of a New Day
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it.
I want it to be a gain not a loss – good not evil.
Success, not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.
-Heartsill Wilson
He then thanked the volunteers for choosing to spend a portion of their time volunteering for Hannah’s Hope, using their time for good, not evil and for the success of Hannah’s Hope. And a successful year it was for the organization. Martinez highlighted the following events and accomplishments:
Shamrock Shootout Bowling tournament and family bowl-- $10,143.00
Golf Outing-- $30,354.00 and 10 consecutive sellouts
Vendor Fair-- $15,399.00
In 2019, the organization helped over 400 kids and purchased over $75,300 in equipment through their equipment assistance program. In the 10 years of the organization, Hannah’s Hope has contributed over $550,000 to the special needs community.
The evening concluded with Hannah’s Hope presenting local organizations with grants to help fund their programs that are aimed at helping kids with special needs. The organizations included Kidworks, BSI (Behavior Specialists of Indiana), Chasing Dreams, Merkley Elementary School and the Challenger
Baseball Leagues of Dyer and Valparaiso. The grants awarded to all of the organizations totaled $14,580.53
2020 Dates to Remember
- March 15th—8th Annual Shamrock Shootout: Inman’s Recreation Center, Valparaiso
- June 28th—Hannah’s Family Picnic: Wicker Park, Highland
- July 11th—11th Annual Golf Outing: River Pointe Country Club, Hobart
- November 14th—11th Annual Craft and Vendor Fair: Portage High School Fieldhouse, Portage
Please visit their website at www.hannahshope.org to join in the fun, become a volunteer, or donate to the organization. Registration is underway for events now and most sell out quickly.