Greenville Raises Over $1 Million for Autism Support

News Summary

The city of Greenville hosted the Evening of Hope Gala on April 5, raising over $1,030,466 for the Project Hope Foundation. The funds will support crucial services for children and teens with autism. The gala featured a cocktail hour, dinner, and an auction, showcasing community commitment to enhancing lives affected by autism. Founded by two mothers, the foundation aims to provide support and resources for families impacted by autism, while also offering adult services to promote independence.

Greenville Hits the Ground Running with Inspiring Fundraiser!

On April 5, the spirited city of Greenville witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of generosity as the Project Hope Foundation raised an astounding $1,030,466 during its spectacular Evening of Hope Gala. Held at the stylish Greenville Convention Center, the event brought together community members, advocates, and supporters united in their commitment to enhancing the lives of children and teens living with autism.

Funding a Brighter Future

The main objective of this year’s gala was to shine a spotlight on the foundation’s vital mission: providing comprehensive services for children and teens diagnosed with autism. The funds raised during the evening will directly support Project Hope Foundation’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, educational resources, and adult services programs. With autism diagnoses reportedly affecting 1 in 36 children, the need for these services is more critical than ever.

An Evening Full of Fun and Purpose

As attendees arrived at the gala, they were welcomed with a delightful cocktail hour, setting the tone for a memorable evening. A sumptuous dinner followed, alongside an engaging program that introduced guests to the transformative work being done by the foundation. The silent auction was a particular highlight, featuring an impressive collection of over 150 items that attendees eagerly bid on to contribute to the cause.

The night wasn’t just about eating and mingling; it also included a variety of exciting live auctions and fundraising games that kept the energy high. It’s always heartwarming to witness people come together for a common goal, and this year was no different, as the results of their efforts spoke volumes.

Supporting a Diverse Range of Services

Currently, the Project Hope Foundation operates nine service locations, three of which are conveniently located in Greenville, with the rest in places like Anderson, Clemson, Greenwood, Landrum, Spartanburg, and Woodruff. This widespread presence enables the organization to serve around 300 individuals daily through their dedicated ABA therapy program, which is the foundation’s largest initiative.

While Medicaid, insurance, and private payments cover some costs, there remains a significant funding gap that relies on community fundraising and donations. That’s where events like the Evening of Hope Gala play such a crucial role in bridging that gap!

A Vision for the Future

Founded by two passionate mothers, Lisa Lane and Susan Sachs, Project Hope Foundation originated from their personal experiences in finding adequate autism services for their children. This shared mission fueled their dedication to establishing a supportive environment tailored to the diverse needs of families touched by autism. Their commitment has laid the groundwork for an inspiring future.

Expanding Horizons

The foundation also doesn’t stop at the young ones. Alongside its youth programs, Project Hope provides adult services, focusing on skill-building and employment opportunities. One shining example is their T-shirt printing business, Printed By Hope, which empowers adults with autism to gain valuable work experience and independence.

The organization looks ahead with excitement towards upcoming initiatives, including the development of a new campus near the Greenwood Genetic Center. This site aims to bolster research and enhance the array of services provided to individuals with autism, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive.

A Community Effort

Giving back to the community is at the heart of what Project Hope Foundation represents. The Evening of Hope Gala proved to be a shining example of a community coming together passionately to support a cause that means so much to so many. Here’s to a bright future for those touched by autism and to the loving community that stands behind them!

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal: Evening of Hope Gala
• Greenville Online: Project Hope and Autism Services
• Fox Carolina: Nonprofit Working with Greenwood Genetic Center
• Wikipedia: Autism
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Autism