November 17, 2022 at 12:37 p.m.
2022 HSJ Online Benefit
By By Todd Grimes-
My hunch is that an overwhelming majority of all those that have ever lived and/or worked there would have no problem agreeing with that sentiment.
That pride in Hope was quite evident throughout the evening of November 5, 2022 at WILLow LeaVes for the HSJ Annual Online Benefit. Those in attendance shared an informative and entertaining evening while having the opportunity to fellowship with one another.
The event provided community members an entertaining evening with the chance to help support their local not-for-profit and free digital newspaper – HSJ Online as it begins year number nine bringing local news to the Hope community. However, as Jenn Willhite – HSJ Content Coordinator – pointed out proudly during her address, the influence of HSJ Online has expanded well beyond the boundaries of northeastern Bartholomew County. HSJ Online has expanded its readership not only throughout other parts of the state, but even to other countries. In addition, Facebook Likes have grown to nearly 1,800.
A full-slate of evening activities was kicked off by Jessica Brown, HSJ Town Crier, by getting the attention of attendees. A delicious “comfort food” meal and dessert was provided by the hard-working cooks and excellent servers at WILLow LeaVes while delightful dinner music was provided by well-known Hope area musician Sally Webster and her sister Pam Anderson. Hope’s very own singer songwriter Avery Tallent entertained those in attendance with a few songs to wrap up that portion of the evening.
David Webster, HSJ Staff Member and former 36-year Hope Elementary School teacher, provided an outline for the remainder of the evening and recognized a few people for their varied contributions to HSJ Online’s growing success. Don Hewitt, HSJ President, introduced members of the HSJ team while emphasizing the non-profit’s commitment to continuing to provide a free local media source for the community. That commitment was made even further evident by the establishment of the HSJ Foundation in 2021 with the help of Scott Mings, HSJ Financial Consultant.
Tim McNamee, proud 1982 Hauser graduate and CEO of Blue Tassel Farm (created to make an impact on inner-city youth), then sang a couple entertaining jingles - set to familiar tunes - about the ladies of WILLow LeaVes and HSJ Online. He followed that up with a couple of other original songs. One was about the Clifford area (where he grew up) and the other about Hope. Both pieces served as great reminders of the positive influence and experiences that the Hope area provides for the people that have been fortunate enough to have it as part of their livelihood.
The evening concluded with witty and funny improv comedy provided by Pete Law and Violet Dickerson, both former Hope Elementary School teachers. From suggestions on topics made by the audience, Pete and Violet brought many smiles to the faces and evoked laughter from attendees. One act included Pete (as a lounge singer) “serenading” Patsy Harris.
I believe the following quote from Pete is a fair indicator of the fondness many of Hope’s residents feel about their town: “I have lived in Hope 47 of my 47 years. It has provided me so many memories. There are so many citizens that are characters in my own story. It is amazing how our town has managed to keep that small town feel that so many others have seemed to lose.”
I was fortunate enough to spend the first 15 years of my teaching career at Hauser. I will forever be grateful/thankful for my years there. The friends I made there, lasting relationships with students I have maintained over the years and support received from the community will always remain special to me. Now, it is a great pleasure to stay connected to the community through an occasional visit back to Hauser, trip to a business on the square…and having the chance to contribute, on occasion, to HSJ Online as a writer.
If you were unable to have the pleasure of attending our event on November 5th, and you wish to make a contribution to HSJ, you may either do it electronically or by mail to:
Stephanie Shoaf
HSJ Business Coordinator
P.O Box 21
Hope, IN 47246
Here’s hoping you’re able to join us in November 2023 for yet another fun-filled evening of entertainment and fellowship for such a great cause!
