Evening of Hope 2025
Thursday October 9, 2025
Presented by Higley Construction
Attendees
Dollars in Revenue Raised
%
Revenue Increase from 2024
The 2025 Evening of Hope was truly a night to remember, filled with the true spirit of Hope Ignites. This year’s camping-chic theme reflected the adventurous journeys our Scholars embark on, both around the world and in their daily lives.
With a program entirely led by our incredible Scholars, the evening highlighted the life-changing experiences made possible through our community’s generosity. Jaylin reflected on his time in Guatemala, saying, “The whole trip was filled with wonders and new adventures that I never thought I would experience. Despite the language barrier, we joked together, we learned together… and it highlighted the fact that no matter where you go, we are all the same.” For Jathyn, the experience redefined what home means: “Home for me is where you feel loved, welcomed, and cared for… This experience opened my eyes in a whole new light.”
Endia also shared her own journal reflections from Utah: “There were times when I doubted myself… but each challenge was an opportunity to grow. I discovered that I am capable of more than I thought, and that strength and perseverance can help me overcome anything.”
We ended the celebration by honoring two remarkable individuals whose dedication continues to light the path forward: Shaquille Quamae Hall, our Pillar of Hope honoree, and Ed Plaspohl, our Heart of Service recipient.
As the night came to a close, guests were reminded that the impact of Hope Ignites continues to grow — in every Scholar who dares to dream, every mentor who lifts them up, and every supporter who believes in what’s possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us under the stars to celebrate!
Watch the Recap
Our 2025 Honorees
Edward Plaspohl
Anne B. O’Donnell
Heart of Service Award
Shaquille Quamae Hall
Pillar of Hope Honoree
Hope Ignites Class of 2016
Photo Gallery
About our Honorees
Anne B. O’Donnell Heart of Service Award Recipient
This year, Hope Ignites is proud to recognize Mr. Ed Plaspohl as the recipient of the Heart of Service Award, named in honor of the late Anne O’Donnell, a beloved former Board Member and Executive Director. Much like Ms. O’Donnell, Ed has demonstrated remarkable dedication, compassion, and vision in supporting our Scholars and mission.
What started as a simple act of connection quickly grew into something much greater when he and his family started their Hope Ignites journey as a mentor family. “It’s all about relationships,” he shared. “The Scholars with Hope Ignites, and Hope Ignites with the Scholars. Change happens at the speed of relationships.” Over the years, he has embodied just that — walking alongside Scholars as they discover their talents, grow in confidence, and pursue their goals.
When asked what resonates most with him about the organization, Ed points to our long-term commitment with each Scholar. Among his proudest achievements, he highlights the effort to bring the Rajan Center to life. This space — now a hub of hope, learning, and fun for Scholars — stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of our community of supporters he helped engage. From building partnerships with churches, businesses, and individuals to coordinating service projects and volunteer days, Ed has been instrumental in creating a strong, enduring foundation of support for our mission.
Above all, Ed’s heart shines through in the advice he shares with Scholars: “Embrace the journey. Whether you think you can or you can’t—you are right. So, think big and think positively. Listen, care, and share. A smile, a handshake, and your name go a long way in building lifelong relationships.”
Through his leadership and generosity, Ed has left an indelible mark on Hope Ignites and our Scholars. We are honored to celebrate him as this year’s Heart of Service Award recipient.
About our Honorees
Pillar of Hope Award Recipient
The Pillar of Hope Award celebrates alumni who embody Hope Ignites’ core values, and this year, we are proud to honor Mr. Shaquille Quamae Hall, a 2016 graduate and former Residential Scholar. Known for his creativity, charisma, and passion for storytelling, Shaq has built a remarkable career as a photographer, turning a spark of interest at age 13 (first armed with only an iPod camera) into a lifelong profession. Hope Ignites provided him with the space and support to nurture those talents, from cameras gifted by mentors and family to opportunities like a film program where he combined his artistry with mentorship.
For Shaq, receiving this award is deeply meaningful to him. “I used to watch other Scholars receive similar honors and wonder what I needed to do to get there,” he reflects. “It turns out it was just about being myself and giving back creatively.” That authenticity, coupled with his commitment to inspiring others, has defined his journey and impact.
Outside of photography, Shaq finds joy in traveling — whether solo, with his girlfriend, or with his nieces — cooking, hiking, and diving into shows like Game of Thrones. He treasures the simple memories of Hope Ignites adventures, like hikes and baseball outings; the laughter and bonding are what sticks with him. What continues to motivate him is the adventure of discovering and capturing new places, like “collecting little pieces of the world and sharing that joy with others.”
Shaq credits mentors and loved ones, including Ronald Lee Jr., his late older brother, photography professor Christine Linsen, and Trevor Hall from Open Roads, for shaping his path. He hopes to leave behind a legacy of creativity, joy, and authenticity — reminding others, “You are the author of your own story. Showing up and being yourself is what brings good things your way.”
Looking ahead, Shaq is excited about future projects, such as pursuing new photography work and leading creative adventures abroad in Iceland. As he continues to share his journey, he carries with him the same hope for Hope Ignites that he experienced firsthand: that it will always remain a place where young people can explore their passions, discover their gifts, and transform potential into purpose.