The Dawn of Hope Foundation hosted the 10th Annual Spring Luau May 8 at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City, raising more than $52,000 in four hours. All proceeds raised at the event will go toward funding Dawn of Hope programs in the coming year. The Luau is the largest fundraiser of the year for Dawn of Hope.
The event included Hawaiian-style luau fare in a relaxed, tropical atmosphere. Just over 320 guests spent the evening in a feast of Hawaiian themed heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages at Harvey’s Island Tiki Bar. Entertainment abounded in activities, such as testing the luck of guests who participated in the Big Kahuna Reverse Raffle for a chance to win $10,000, bidding in the live and silent auction, having fun taking complimentary photos with family and friends in the Tropical Photo Booth, chancing the odds in the Heads or Tails game, and dancing the night away to beach-themed music by 40 West.
The night of the Luau, the $10,000 Reverse Raffle grand prize was split between three individuals – Michael Green, Steve Sonneberger and Kevin Horne. Another $2,000 was dispersed in smaller cash prizes to eighteen other lucky winners.
In a prepared statement after the event, the Dawn of Hope thanked major sponsor Cherokee Distributing Company as well as other sponsors and more than 50 volunteers. “Without the unsurpassed dedication and support from our business and community partners,” said the release, “we could not have held such a successful celebration, where more than $ 52,000 was raised to be used towards supporting life enhancing programs for more than 210 Recipients served by Dawn of Hope.”
