Page 6 - Hobe Sound Reflections - April '25

Page 6, Hobe Sound

Good Works

House Of Hope’s Gala

Electrifies The Night To
Support Its Mission

House of Hope’s Third Annual Cirque de Soirée on
Feb. 1 was nothing short of electrifying.
Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club was transformed
into a neon paradise, with high energy, vibrant colors and
dazzling entertainment. Winged dancers from Jewelz
Entertainment circulated among the guests, while a living
“red” carpet and floating Champagne Diva created a buzz
of excited awe.
The talented Soul Survivors Band from Chase Music House of Hope values its long-standing partnership with
2.0 provided favorite songs and exciting dance rhythms, the Pedersen Family Foundation and the family members
and auctioneer Elliott Paul added to the energy in the who attended this year’s gala (left to right) – Jeffrey
room with a fast-paced auction of unique items to benefit Pedersen, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Cory Pfister
House of Hope. The atmosphere and decor that wowed the and Timothy Pfister.
attendees was designed by the creative minds at House
of Hope, who were supported by ECP Event Rentals and “Our goal was to make sure that our guests enjoyed the
Design and the fabulous team at Piper’s Landing event,” Ranieri said, “but our wider intention, as always, is
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who to assure that House of Hope is there to help the people in
helped create this amazing evening,” said House of Hope our community who are experiencing hunger and hardship
CEO Rob Ranieri, “including our Presenting Sponsor, the and give them the resources they need to build a better
Pedersen Family Foundation, who consistently provide life for themselves and their families.”
unwavering support for our mission.” Sponsors of Cirque du Soirée include the Pedersen The brilliantly colored and nutritious hydroponic lettuce
The event raised more than $160,000 for Project Family Foundation, Apogee, Immanual Lutheran Church, grown at VibeWright Farms will help House of Hope to
HOPE, a program that provides essential resources like St. Lucie Jewelry & Coin, Michele Bragg, Ashley Capital, provide fresh produce to its clients year-round.
case management, financial assistance, job search support, Premier Realty Group, Davies & Company, HBKS Wealth
and healthy food distribution to community members who Advisors, Deborah Lovequist, Re/Max of Stuart, Lucido The farm, equivalent to four acres of in-ground
need it the most. & Associates, One Martin, Hans Vanderlip of Re/Max growing annually, consists of a sophisticated temperature-
of Stuart, Firefly Group, Jensen Beach Garden Club and controlled hydroponic greenhouse where fresh produce is
Hooks Construction. grown without pesticides. It complements the hydroponic
Ranieri expects the demand for services from House of greenhouses, in-ground beds and orchard already in full
Hope to continue to increase in early 2025, particularly as a operation on Growing Hope Farm.
result of the recent tornados that devastated portions of the “We’re excited about what this acquisition means to our
community. “The participation of event sponsors, in-kind ability to provide fresh produce to our clients year- round,”
sponsors, attendees, staff and volunteers in this event will said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “Even in summer,
help keep our services available to all who need them.” when the heat slows down our production in our existing
To learn more about House of Hope or make a donation, greenhouses, we’ll be able to have a consistent supply of
visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or produce for our pantry program and our 30 food partners
call (772) 286-4673. across Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.”
For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call (772) The Lichtenberger Family Fund at The Community
286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found Foundation Martin – St. Lucie and a generous donor who
on Facebook, Instagram, and X. prefers to remain anonymous together funded House of
Hope’s purchase of VibeWright Farms.
At its current peak production, Growing Hope Farm
House Of Hope Expands Growing produces more than 1,500 packages of fresh produce
Hope Farm In Palm City weekly. Of the 1.2 million pounds of food House of Hope
distributed last year, 500,000 pounds was fresh produce
House of Hope, always seeking more opportunities to to help feed and empower the most vulnerable residents
provide fresh and healthy food to its clients, has recently of the community. With the increased capacity at the
purchased the assets of VibeWright Farms in Palm City to VibeWright Farms site, House of Hope expects to generate
expand its ability to grow and distribute healthy produce more produce to support the over 30,000 individuals who
to its clients. benefit from the organization’s healthy food distribution
The 40-foot freight farm has operated for several years each year. Any excess will be sold to the public, generating
under the ownership of Kris and Katie Wright. It is located funds that can be invested in Growing Hope Farm and
on property owned by the Dawson family along State Road House of Hope’s feeding programs.
714 and is next to House of Hope’s Growing Hope Farm “The needs of the community continue to increase,”
and Packing House. Ranieri said. “We’re grateful that with the purchase of
In announcing the sale of their property to House of the assets of VibeWright Farms, we have one more way
Hope, the Wrights said, “We are deeply grateful for the to help meet the growing demand for our services.”
support we’ve received over the years and couldn’t be To learn more about House of Hope or make a donation,
happier to see the farm’s next chapter dedicated to serving visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or
Steve Diez and Carol Houwaart-Diez, CEO of United Way and uplifting others.” call (772) 286-4673.
Martin County, joined House of Hope for an exciting night full
of surprise entertainers, music and a celebration of community.

Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. Most editorial copy is created by the
homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor.

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