Inspiring Evening of Hope gala to benefit Catholic school students, schools set Nov. 7

By Roxanne King

An evening of uplifting song and inspiring stories will be served up at this year’s Evening of Hope gala to benefit the Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust.

Seeds of Hope offers tuition assistance to needy children attending inner-city Catholic schools and grants to the schools.

Celebrating the theme “Songs of Hope,” the Seeds of Hope gala is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Entertainment will be provided by talented musician and vocalist Father Patrick Dolan, pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish, and Chloe Scull, a ninth-grader at Denver School of the Arts and a parishioner at Most Precious Blood.

“The Evening of Hope gala is always the flagship fundraising even for Seeds of Hope,” said John Harpole, chairman of the Seeds of Hope board. “That night is a chance for the supporters of Seeds of Hope to gather and enjoy a night of entertainment that allows us to reflect on our Catholic way of life and our commitment to those less fortunate in our archdiocese.”

Since its inception in 1996, Seeds of Hope has awarded more than $16 million in financial assistance through tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, vouchers, and Adopt-A-Program monies. The organization has helped more than 10,000 students attend Denver’s Catholic schools.

Organizers are expecting a successful event, despite the challenging economic climate.
“The Church has always been called on to help during such times and has never failed,” Harpole said. “I believe we as Catholics do our best work when the going is tough. People should know and understand that this night of celebration will raise money that will be utilized to help over 1,700 families in the archdiocese with tuition assistance.”

No one will want to miss the stellar performances of the gifted priest and his young parishioner, he added.

“Those who attend can expect an evening of Broadway quality entertainment with that special Seeds of Hope personal touch,” Harpole said.

Former Seeds of Hope recipients University of Denver student Essence Moore and Arrupe Jesuit High School student Johnny Angel Berzoza, who both attended Annunciation School, will share how the organization helped them toward achieving their dreams.

Ordained in 1995, Father Dolan came to the priesthood with a rich background in music and theater. He spent many years touring in national and international companies of various Broadway musicals as both singer and dancer. As a pianist he worked professionally from the age of 13 in many venues, including churches and theaters. He has composed extensively for the liturgy, including a set of psalmody titled “Psalms for a Global Village,” and his first major work, “The Passion According to St. John,” a musical setting of the entire liturgical Gospel text for Good Friday.

“How many priests can actually point to their history and say they performed on Broadway?” noted Harpole. “Father Pat is a multi-talented performer who will fill the room with applause, laughter and smiles. What better way to celebrate the richness of our heritage?”

The priest will be accompanied by the St. Rose of Lima School Choir, and Scull.
Scull has been singing and dancing since the age of 2. She joined an adult choir at the age of 9. Father Dolan has been one of three key people guiding her talent. She sings in the Most Precious Blood choir.

“Chloe’s singing is truly a gift from God,” Harpole said.

The Joe Peterson Dance Orchestra and the JPO Andrews Singers also will perform.

Individual tickets are $300. For tickets visit seedsofhopetrust.org or call 303-715-3127. Reservation deadline: Nov. 4. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located at 14th and Curtis streets in downtown Denver.