Details below are for the 2025 Evening of Hope. Please stay tuned for more details on this year’s event!
Evening of Hope
PRESENTED BY HIGLEY CONSTRUCTION
Thursday October 9, 2025
A night of inspiration and celebration led by Scholars every fall, including the presentation of both the Pillar of Hope and Heart of Service awards. This special event is where their dreams take center stage and the true spirit of Hope Ignites shines.
New this year is a unique opportunity to directly support an impactful wilderness capstone experience for our rising high school seniors.
Evening Agenda
5:30PM Cocktail Reception
7:00PM Seated Dinner & Program
Casual Chic Attire
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
Questions? Contact Michelle Wohlfeiler Bailin at (216) 553-4045 or [email protected] for more details.
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner in Persistence
- Reserved VIP seating for 8 guests
- Prominent recognition at dinner and in select marketing collateral, including half page ad in event program
- Tax deductible amount: $3,600
Partner in Empowerment
- Leadership-level sponsor of Evening of Hope with premium recognition in all marketing collateral, including full page ad in event program
- Reserved VIP seating for 10 guests
- Direct investment into one Scholar’s 2025 merit-based scholarship
- Tax deductible amount: $8,300
Partner in Community
- Seating for 4 guests
- Recognition on banner and in event program, including quarter page ad
- Tax deductible amount: $1,400
Additional Participation Opportunities
Adult Canteen
- Exclusive recognition at main bar
- Full amount tax deductible
Big Sky Lighting
- Exclusive recognition near AV setup at seated dinner
- Full amount tax deductible
Campfire Tunes
- Exclusive recognition near live entertainment
- Full amount tax deductible
Shuck Wagon
- Exclusive recognition at oyster station
- Full amount tax deductible
Friend of Hope
- Individual ticket with open bar
- Tax deductible amount: $100
Young professional rate available. Please contact Michelle Bailin at (216) 553-4045 or [email protected] for more information.
Celebrate with a Message of Hope!
If you are unable to attend or would simply like to acknowledge our honorees, consider including a message or ad in the event program. Response needed by Friday, September 5th.
• Full Page in Color ($1,000)*
• 1/2 Page in Color ($500)*
*Full amount is tax deductible.
Consult your tax advisor relating to any tax benefits claimed.
Donor Advised Funds and private foundations cannot be used to pay for sponsorships, tickets, or tables. They can be used for a donation.
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.