NEW YORK (January 13, 2013) – In New York City, a group of young professionals have utilized their spare time to contribute to a crucial cause: fighting pediatric cancer. While many recent college graduates opt to focus on logging hours into their budding careers, this group of 9 executive chairs and more than 50 volunteers have elected to multi-task by organizing The Hope Gala, an annual fundraising dinner created to support the fight against pediatric cancer.
The Hope Gala, which raised more than $74,000 last year alone and more than $150,000 to date, contributes to the mission of conquering childhood cancer by donating all proceeds to Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) whose sole beneficiary is the Four Diamonds Fund of Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Four Diamonds, in return, assists the Penn State Children’s Hospital and families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support during their battle with pediatric cancer.
Evan Wohl and Gia Kornet, The Hope Gala Executive co-Chairs, have both dedicated the past several years to growing the event and spreading awareness of pediatric cancer within the New York City area.
Kornet, 30, is a television producer and has served as the co-Chair of The Hope Gala for the past year.
“This event has become part of who I am. It is a way for me to continue working for a cause that is so important and close to my heart,” said Kornet. “These kids we help are true superheroes and we will not stop until we find a cure.”
Wohl, is a financial planner but regards the event as his other career.
“This is my second job and a huge part of my life,” said Wohl. “There are always challenges but speaking to the families who benefit from our work and hearing their stories makes everything worth it.”
Many Hope Gala volunteers are THON alumni, who spent countless hours during their undergraduate careers contributing to the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a yearlong fundraising and awareness campaign for the fight against pediatric cancer that culminates in a 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon each February.
JoAnn Esposito, a manager at Madison Square Garden, is the Auction Chair of the event and was a dedicated THON volunteer during her time at Penn State. Esposito felt her dedication to the cause drove her to continue her philanthropic efforts following college.
“THON is one of the most important parts of my life and once I graduated I knew I had to still be involved,” said Esposito. “The Hope Gala is a great way for alumni to still share their passion and make a difference in the life of a child.”
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About The Hope Gala
The Hope Gala is an annual black tie optional event hosted by the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association. Created to support fundraising efforts on behalf of The Four Diamonds Fund and The Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™), The Hope Gala contributes to the mission of conquering childhood cancer. All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer patients at the Penn State Children’s Hospital and their families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support. For more information, visit http://nychopegala.com/
