An Evening of Hope Gala benefiting Hope’s Door, a comprehensive domestic violence agency, raised more money than ever before, earning just over $400,000 to benefit the agency.
          The Gatsby-themed evening began with a VIP reception in the Cypress Room at the Westin Stonebriar. Dressed in a gold Gatsby-style fringe and sequin gown, Stephanie Mattison, gala chair, was joined by her husband, Tanner and her family, along with Suzanne Bock Grishman, interim executive director and acting director of development at Hope’s Door and her husband, Michael. Matthew Grynwald is the president of the board. Many board members and underwriters chatted with honorary chair Glenn Beck, founder and CEO of Mercury Radio Arts and best known as the host of The Blaze television and radio shows. His wife, Tania, also an honorary chair, was unable to attend due to a prior family commitment.
          Guests bid in the fabulous silent auction sponsored by Rent-A-Center, bought out the wine pull, gift card pull, enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres and stepped into an eight-foot tall gold frame, snapping photos as remembrances.
          Entertainment by the band Limelight played as emcee Steve Stoler, formerly of WFAA Channel 8 and now the executive director of media relations for the City of Plano, welcomed guests and recognized veterans in the audience, as it was Veteran’s Day weekend.
          After a three-course gourmet dinner ending with a dessert assortment by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Stephanie thanked everyone for supporting Hope’s Door by attending the gala and encouraged the crowd to participate in the fundraising opportunities soon to come. She recognized presenting sponsors Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers and the Becks as honorary chairs, noting that since Tania could not attend, Glenn was joined by their daughter, Mary Cate.
          LaShon Ross, a member of the board, presented Stephanie with an exquisite strand of pearls donated by jeweler Carter Malouf, who is also a member of the host committee with his wife, Jill. She introduced a moving video highlighting the message of Hope’s Door, emphasizing they are here to help heal families affected by domestic violence. She asked the board to stand, thanking them for their devoted service.
          After a spirited game of heads-and-tails, board Secretary Ann Dunham announced    Jessica Bair and The Mary Kay Foundation^℠ as recipients of the Heroes of Hope Award for their generous grant in helping with emergency shelter renovations and ongoing support. Jessica received an exquisite Waterford clock donated by Bachendorf’s.
          Jessica said she was honored to receive the award and emphasized that Hope’s Door is crucial to the victims of domestic violence and helps them become survivors.        Suzanne, who joined Hope’s Door this past summer, said the agency is making a difference in people’s lives through education. With the leadership of Grishman, Hope’s Door is poised for growth and ready for support to move it forward to the next stage. She said the morning after Glenn and Tania toured the safe shelter, Glenn shared his experience with his radio audience and sold over 550 raffle tickets for the beautiful 2014 CLA Class Mercedes-Benz donated by Mercedes-Benz of Plano. Only 1,000 tickets were sold at $100 each, with proceeds benefiting the programs and services of Hope’s Door.
          Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Glenn’s very personal and emotionally charged story touched the hearts of everyone in the ballroom. With many in tears as he ended his presentation, he said Hope’s Door gives hope for a future to so many and encouraged everyone to continue their support because they can truly make a difference in people’s lives. Emotions ran high as another standing ovation rang through the room.
          Following the Fund-A-Cause call for donations, the live auction was a rousing success, including three  tours of Beck’s studio and lunch; a wine lover’s experience visiting Jordan Vineyards, Michel-Schlumberger and Lail Vineyards; a VIP family membership at the Frisco Gun Club; Chef John Coleman, owner of Savor Restaurant offered a private chef experience; Trident Response Group will host an interactive training program and topping it all off, the actor Burton Gilliam, who starred in Blazing Saddles, took the stage and helped move the crowd in bidding on a Blazing Saddles movie script signed by Mel Brooks, including lunch with Burton.
          Limelight took the stage and the crowd filled the dance floor until the lights came on. The gala was a huge success, everyone in smiles, taking home sweets from the candy bar.
          Hope’s Door mission is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and to provide education programs that enhance the community's capacity to respond. Learn more by visiting the website at www.hopesdoorinc.org or call 972-422-2911.