Grace Centers of Hope to virtually host annual fundraiser

‘Night of Hope’ to be held between 7-8 p.m. tonight

On Thursday the nonprofit Grace Centers of Hope will virtually host its annual Night of Hope fundraiser.

Presented by ClickBid, this year’s free event will take place from 7-8 p.m. All proceeds will support the Grace Centers of Hope Children’s Program, which offers a safe and nurturing environment for children whose families are enrolled in the organization’s “one year life skills” and after-care programs.

The children’s program provides medical care, free meals, school supplies, clothing, preschool and infant care opportunities through Grace’s Childcare Center. It also offers recreational activities and summer camps during school breaks, when parents participate in the center’s programs.

Grace Centers of Hope provides nightly transitional shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, and serves over 125,000 meals yearly.

Event participants will hear inspirational stories about families helped by the Pontiac-based organization. The event includes a silent auction and three virtual raffles for, a $2,000 shopping spree, $1,000 in gift cards, or a Phillips LatteGo 5400 Espresso Machine.

The event will also be broadcast live through Grace Centers’ Facebook page.

Other sponsors include the Bontumasi Giving Fund, LiDaAl; TMI Realty LLC; Dr. Nicholas and Taylor Bontumasi; Falcoff; and Waterfall Jewelers.

“This year’s Night of Hope Gala will be especially meaningful for our staff, residents and their families as we take time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Hands of Hope Childcare Center,” said Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers. “The center has served as a source of stability for thousands of families that have been faced with turbulent circumstances.

“It is estimated that families with children make up 30% of the American homeless population, which means there has never been a time in our country when children’s programs like ours have been needed most.”