About Us:
The Hope Gala is an annual black tie optional event hosted by the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association. Created to support fundraising efforts on behalf of The Four Diamonds and The Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™), The Hope Gala contributes to the mission of conquering childhood cancer. All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer patients at the Penn State Children’s Hospital and their families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support.
About our Beneficiaries:
The Four Diamonds:
The mission of The Four Diamonds is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. The Four Diamonds has helped over 2,000 families since 1972. Approximately 90 new families receive support each year. Any family with a child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey is automatically eligible for support.
Charles and Irma Millard established The Four Diamonds in 1972 after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Today, a board of civic leaders from counties throughout Central Pennsylvania advises the Four Diamonds.
For more information about The Four Diamonds, please visit the 4D Website.
Penn State Dance Marathon (THON)
Since 1977, THON has raised more than $88 million to help thousands of children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer. Today, more than 15,000 student volunteers and 700 dancers are hard at work throughout the year to fundraise for The Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA.
The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, 46-hour dance marathon held every February. This collective effort has become one of Penn State’s greatest and most unifying traditions. Whether it is standing for 46 hours as a dancer, taking care of the facility, or supporting the dancers from the bleachers, every person at THON plays a vital part in creating an amazing atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding.
Planning Committee
Co-Director
Co-Director
Auction Director
Co-Events Director
Co-Events Director
Communications Director
Communications Director
Sponsorship Director
Entertainment Director
Family Relations Director
2015 NYC Hope Gala
When: Saturday, February 28, 2015
6:30p-11p
Where: Capitale | 130 Bowery, New York, NY
Tickets are Sold Out
Want to get involved? Contact us at: contact@nychopegala.com
2015's 4-Diamonds Family: The Rupps
2015's Emcee Kim Jones of the NFL Network
2015 Hope Gala Knight Award Recipient
DEVON STILL is an American football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for Pennsylvania State University, earning consensus All-American honors. He was considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects, and was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
In June 2014, his daughter, Leah Sari, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 cancer. Still put his football career on hiatus saying: “she’s fighting for her life. Sports is not more important than me being there while my daughter is fighting for her life.” Since the June 2, 2014 diagnosis, Still spent the next three weeks sleeping next to his daughter at the hospital despite his own recent back surgery. In support of his daughter, Still shaved his head bald and has said that he will grow back his hair only when Leah’s does.
The Bengals demonstrated their loyalty even further by permitting Devon Still’s jersey to be sold in order to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
$400,000 sales were made in four days. At the end of September, it was reported that Still’s jersey donation sales neared $1 Million. The New Orleans Saints head coach, Sean Payton bought 100 jerseys and distributed them to the local Boys & Girls Club and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
On September 25, 2014, before driving Leah to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for cancer surgery, Devon Still posted a video to his Instagram account, which went viral. Still later tweeted that the tumor and lymph nodes were removed.
On October 5, 2014 during a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, a music video was shown on the stadium’s video screen featuring Still’s daughter. The Patriots cheerleaders also donned copies of Still’s’ jersey to show support. It was further reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft was donating $25,000 to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Leah’s name.
Tickets Are Sold Out for the 2015 Hope Gala
To Join the Silent Auction Click Below
It’s up to you, New York…
How Your Donation Assists the Four Diamonds:
The Four Diamonds picks up where insurance leaves off, enabling families to solely focus on care for their child. Assistance from The 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, The Four Diamonds and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center recruits world-class talent to continue innovative research benefiting children worldwide.
The Hope Gala is a year-round fundraising effort culminating in a gala on February 28th
We do a lot of fun things throughout the year…see what we’ve been up to…
Our next events:
THON Viewing Party – Last 4 Hours, Streaming Live from the Bryce Jordan Center!
Co-hosted by the NYC Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and The Hope Gala
When: Sunday, February 22nd from 11:00am – 5:00pm
Place: Tonic East, 411 3rd Avenue – 2nd floor
Cost: $5 donation for members, $7 donation for non-members; you can pre-register online or pay in cash at the door. To pre-register, please visit www.psunyc.org. This donation automatically includes you in our raffle for great Penn State prizes.
Specials for the event include: $4 select drafts, $5 wines, $5 cosmos, $3 champagne, and $5 well cocktails. Food specials are available as well
Check-in on Past Events
Hope Floats Boat Cruise: Thank you to everyone who attended our 1st Annual Hope Floats Boat Cruise. It was a star-studded night and we had an amazing turnout. We’ve posted photos from the event on our facebook page, so make sure to check them out!
2nd Annual Hope Gala Mets Game: It was an amazing day, and we are so thankful that we got to spend the day with Ashley Fazekas and her family, as well as the Bush and Weinsheimer families! They are all such courageous fighters, helping us in the fight to conquer pediatric cancer.
July’s Swerve Fitness Event: We had a great time cycling with our supporters, getting closer to a cure! Volunteers and supporters came out to compete in a team-style cycling class, while raising money FTK!! Stay tuned for future fitness events…we plan to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle. A special thank you to Jackie Alvira, who helped the Hope Gala plan this event!
April’s Trivia Night: Thank you to everyone who came out to support our trivia night! We raised over $1,000 for the kids, and had a great night. Congratulations to Anthony Tufano and his team on winning the second annual trivia night!
Visit the Hope Gala Facebook page to check out photos from the our events and for additional event information!
FTK!