The Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust hosted its annual Evening of Hope benefit gala Nov. 1 at the Denver Marriott City Center celebrating All Saints’ Day with the theme “Ancient Italian Elegance.” Keynote speaker, America’s Top Model turned role model, Leah Darrow, inspired attendees with her message of the importance of Catholic education as a foundation of Catholic formation. Archbishop Samuel Aquila delivered the invocation.
The event included an a capella opera performance by Teresa Castillo, songs by the Guardian Angels School choir, moving addresses by a current Seeds of Hope student scholar and an alumna now teaching at an inner-city school Catholic school, a spirited live auction and remarks by Natalie Mesko, SOH executive director, and Brent Osland, board chair. Former CBS4 anchor Molly Hughes guided the evening as mistress of ceremonies.
The mission of Seeds of Hope is to make Catholic education available to economically disadvantaged children through tuition assistance grants, scholarships, vouchers, operating support, and grants for programs and technology. Seeds of Hope supports primarily Catholic elementary schools serving low-income, high-minority populations concentrated in the inner city of Denver.
