Our Mission:
The Hope Gala is committed to conquering childhood cancer by raising awareness, providing financial assistance, and supporting the fundraising efforts of Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), which benefits Four Diamonds, through our annual gala and year-round fundraising.
About Us:
The Hope Gala is an annual gala and year-round fundraising organization established to support the fundraising efforts of Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). Since 2008, The Hope Gala has raised over $600,000 towards the mission of conquering childhood cancer. Four Diamonds is the sole beneficiary of THON's fundraising activities and THON is the largest contributor to Four Diamonds. All proceeds benefit childhood cancer patients and their families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support at the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. The Hope Gala was founded by the New York City Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association with support from the Northern New Jersey Chapter.
Hope Gala Directors
Auction Director
Events Director
Mini - Events Director
Meghan McDevitt
Mini-Events Coordinator
Communications Director
Communications Director
Sarah Maiden
Art Director
Sponsorship Director
Production Director
Volunteer Director
Adrien Aloi
Family Relations Director
Coordinators
Karisa Maxwell
Social Media Coordinator
Kaitlin Boland
Gala Volunteer Coordinator
Samantha Shoffner
Gala Volunteer Coordinator
Meet our Advisory Board
The Hope Gala would not be where it is today without the guidance, expertise and support of our talented Advisory Board.
2017 NYC Hope Gala
saturday, March 11th, 2017. gotham hall | 1356 broadway, New York, NY 10018
Want to get involved? Contact us at: contact@nychopegala.com
2016 Hope Gala Family: The Kemberling's
2016 Hope Gala Leah Still Award for Courage Recipient: Ryan McGarry
2016 Hope Gala Family Speaker: The Kemberling Family
Chase was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma on October 29th, 2013, after an ER trip and what his parents thought was appendicitis. After being admitted to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, doctors explained that the type of Lymphoma that Chase had was very aggressive and fast growing. Chase started his first round of chemo on November 2nd, 2013 and by January 2nd, 2014 he was receiving his last bag of chemo. After a PET scan on January 16th, the Kemberling family got the call that Chase was in remission.
The 2016 Leah Still Award for Courage Recipient: Ryan McGarry
Ryan McGarry, a Penn State graduate, is a director, producer and writer of film and television. He is also the Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at The Weill Medical College of Cornell University/New York Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. His first feature film, CODE BLACK, was conceived and directed entirely during his residency at the Los Angeles County Hospital. It inspired the current CBS television drama series of the same name, which he executive produces.
He was selected to receive this honor based on his inspiring story as a stage IV cancer survivor, his pursuit of a medical degree after his diagnosis, his work as an ER doctor, and his explorations of health care humanism in cinema and television.
It’s up to you, New York…
How Your Donation Assists Four Diamonds:
Four Diamonds picks up where insurance leaves off, enabling families to solely focus on care for their child. Assistance from Four Diamonds ensures counselors, social workers, music therapists and other specialists are available to provide comprehensive care in a family-focused atmosphere. Thanks to THON, Four Diamonds and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center recruits world-class talent to continue innovative research benefiting children worldwide.
Hope Gala Mini Events
While the 2016 Hope Gala is over, we encourage volunteers to visit some of our wonderful Mini Events throughout the year!
Join us on Sunday, October 16th at SoulCycle West Village for a class benefiting the fight against childhood cancer! Each bike reserved includes a generous donation to The Hope Gala, so come out and peddle for those who can’t. Shoes and water are complimentary. Reserve your tickets early!
Ticket's are $45 and can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/2coF0Qs
Please arrive between 1:30 and 1:45.