Pearls of Hope Inaugural Gala

DAYTONA BEACH (November 25, 2014) – Food Brings Hope hosted its first ever fundraising event on October 24 - the inaugural Pearls of Hope Gala.

The "Pearls of Hope" Gala Presented by Holland Financial took place at the Jim W. Henderson Administration and Welcome Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). More than 200 guests attended the event.

"Pearls of Hope was the first FBH fundraising gala," said FBH Founder and Chair, Forough B. Hosseini. "Our goal was two-fold. We needed to raise money toward our mission of eradicating hunger among schoolchildren in Volusia County. But we also wanted to share our mission with the community-minded individuals in attendance so that they can become ambassadors of our cause and spread the word."

The presenting sponsor of the event was Holland Financial. Other event sponsors included Daytona Kia-Mitsubishi, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Giles Electric and ICI Homes.

“It was special to be a part of this inaugural event, raising funds to continue this program, taking it from an idea to the final evening,” stated Leigh Anne Giles, event co-chair. “The committee was amazing, ERAU was helpful and the generosity of our community and its leaders was inspiring.”

Through sponsorships, ticket sales and auctions, the event raised nearly $60,000, 100% of which will go directly to programs that serve students. In fact, 100% of all donations to FBH are used to benefit the students. All overhead is covered by the Hosseini Family Foundation. FBH plans to extend its reach from 11 to 13 schools and from 500 students to 600 students this school year as a result of the success of the gala, as well as, expanding the weekend food program.

"It was an honor and a privilege for Holland Financial to have been the first presenting sponsor of the Pearls of Hope Gala," said David Holland, CEO of Holland Financial. "It was a memorable affair.”