October 21, 2009

Popular author-speaker Matthew Kelly to headline Evening of Hope gala

By Julie Filby

Best-selling author and world renowned speaker Matthew Kelly will highlight the benefits of a Catholic education in his keynote address “Journey of Hope” at this year’s Evening of Hope benefit gala.

The event, set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver, is the primary fundraiser for Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust.

Seeds of Hope was formed in 1996 as a partnership between the Denver Archdiocese and business and community leaders to provide tuition assistance to students who otherwise may not be able to afford a Catholic education.

In his presentation Kelly will address how this support impacts students not only during their school years, but throughout their lives. In conjunction, he will promote the message of becoming “the best-version-of-yourself” as inspired by Vatican II’s universal call to holiness.

“One way poverty expresses itself in our time is in the form of lack of opportunity,” Kelly said. “Seeds of Hope is about giving young people an opportunity—and that opportunity will bear fruit for the rest of their lives.”

Kelly, known for his down-to-earth style and keen sense of humor, has written 12 books which have appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller lists and been published in 25 languages. His titles include “The Rhythm of Life,” “Building Better Families” and “Rediscovering Catholicism.” Since beginning his ministry in 1993, Kelly has spoken to more than 3 million people, in more than 50 countries.

Since its inception Seeds of Hope has awarded more than $19 million in assistance to 11,500 students.

“Our goal is to provide as many children as possible with a chance for a better education—and hope for a better future,” said Justin Zuiker, development manager for the organization. “Our donors help bring that goal within reach and we are grateful for it.”

The organization aims to raise $400,000 at the Evening of Hope through sponsorships, ticket sales and auction proceeds. The Martin Family Foundation has offered a challenging grant to donors to match every dollar raised at the event, up to $50,000.

“If people want to make a donation, they can do so at Evening of Hope and have their generosity doubled!” Zuiker said.

While the economy has negatively impacted the group’s ability to fully fund their mission, the needs are greater than ever.

“Educating economically disadvantaged children in a safe environment is essential in the fight to end the cycle of poverty,” he said. “Catholic schools in the inner-city provide support, structure and high expectations to help children learn while growing in their faith. They are vital sources of hope.”

In addition to Kelly’s talk, the gala will also feature dinner, cocktails, and silent and live auctions. Top auction items are first-level tickets to a Denver Nuggets basketball game plus an all-access tour with former Nuggets player Bill Hanzlik, prime tickets to a Colorado Rockies baseball game with a behind-the-scenes visit to the 850 KOA broadcast booth, a helicopter ride over Denver, a timeshare condo in Steamboat Springs and a trip to Las Vegas.

Honorary co-chairs for the event are Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., and Msgr. Thomas S. Fryar, vicar general. The master of ceremonies will be Molly Hughes of Denver’s CBS4 News.

Individual tickets are $300. A patron table of 10 costs $3,000, which includes an Adopt-A-Student scholarship, a program allowing donors to keep in touch with a student they sponsor throughout the school year. To purchase tickets, call Seeds of Hope at 303-715-3186 or e-mail justinz@seedsofhopetrust.org. The reservation deadline is Nov. 5. For more information, visit www.seedsofhopetrust.org.