Page 7 - Stuart Exposure - March '24

Stuart Exposure, Page 7

Good Works from page 6 Commissioner Ed Ciampi
acted as auctioneer. His vivid
descriptions of the impact
of House of Hope on the
community inspired guests
to donate $35,000 in an
impromptu “Call to Hope.”
“This was a very special
event for us,” said House
of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri.
“It was a fantastic evening
among friends and a great
Scott Berry and Benton Jeff Stoops and Danita fundraiser for House of Hope,
(Tony) Bohannon DeHaney but it also was the kickoff of
our 40th anniversary.”
During the auctions,
guests had the opportunity
to bid on several items
that are not only one-of-a-
kind but also carry special House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri, center, is joined by members of the Pedersen Family
emotional meaning. Local Foundation, the Presenting Sponsor for Cirque Du Soirée 2024: Cory Pfister, Timothy
artists Deborah Lovequist, Pfister, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Kenny Gould, and Jack Waldroup.
Kiora Slate, Sue Ann Saleeby,
Teagan Carregal and Stacy Ranieri each created a piece of County resident and jeweler Terry Rieger of Diamonds by
art for the silent auction that reflects their personal response Terry. The white gold ring, created by Terry herself, sparkled
to House of Hope’s work in the community. The live auction with more than two carats of gorgeous stones including
Todd Thurlow and Deanna Frank Bell and Ranlet (Ran) included a stunning piece of jewelry contributed by Martin emeralds and diamonds.
Thurlow Bell House of Hope was founded by compassionate members
of the community in 1984, including the remarkable couples
Cirque Du Soirée Kicks Off David and Marni Abate and Robert and Toddie Neal,
alongside retired priest Father Jerome Herman, and Deacon
House Of Hope’s Jack Raisch and his wife Eleanor. Over four decades, a small

40th Anniversary nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry has expanded in
size and broadened its mission, providing transformative
programs to empower Martin County residents to overcome
Cirque Du Soirée, a glamorous and enchanting celebration hunger and hardship.
of unique experiences and glorious artwork, kicked off House of Hope now has a staff of 48, with 864 volunteers,
the festive 2024 season on Jan. 20 to benefit House of seven service locations, and a hydroponic production farm with
Hope’s Project HOPE (Helping Others Progress through a packing house. It reaches more than 21,000 individuals each
Empowerment). Nearly $150,000 was raised in support of month and distributed 1.3 million pounds of food last year.
the nonprofit’s work. Sponsors of the second annual Cirque Du Soirée include
The sold-out event at Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Brian and Maria Reich with Liz and Commissioner Ed the Pedersen Family Foundation as the Presenting Sponsor,
Club in Palm City featured an exquisite gourmet dinner, a Ciampi were among the 160 guests at House of Hope’s Cirque Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Michele Bragg, Three Lakes,
live auction with unique experiences, an intriguing array of Du Soirée. Commissioner Ciampi, serving as auctioneer, Ashley Capital, Immanuel Palm City - Stuart, O’Rourke
items in a silent auction, and the live band Soul Survivors encouraged guests to donate a total of $35,000 in an
from Chase Music 2.0. impromptu “Call for Hope.” Good Works on page 8

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