Open Arms Gala 2019 – A Blessed Evening!

On September 28th, at The Barn at Willowbrook, Open Arms Worldwide hosted the most successful Gala Benefit in our history.  It was an evening of encouragement, challenge, wonderful food (thank you Mission BBQ!!), and even better fellowship.  Our goal for the evening was to raise $35,000 to support support 2 Agents of Hope and their mission’s needs for one full year in Brazil.

We started off on the right foot with several very generous sponsors covering the entire cost of the event, so no tickets needed to be sold.  The venue was perfect, and our hosts, the Madden family, were the picture of hospitality and were truly partners in this event.  Our guests were blessed with perfect weather and the musical talents of our dear brothers, Brian St. Andre and Rob Young to welcome them in song.

 

Folks played corn hole, caught up with old friends and new, and browsed the silent auction items so graciously given by so many businesses and individuals in the NoVA region, until dinner was served and the program began.

You can watch the intro to our keynote speaker, Open Arms’ Agent of Hope Sarita Romeiro, below, and you will understand why there were very few dry eyes by the time she was done.

As the auction closed and our formal program wrapped up, it became clear that God was doing something very special at this gathering.  The response from those in attendance, and many who couldn’t be there, was overwhelming.  Not only was our goal of $35,000 reached, but it was surpassed.  At last count, the donations for the evening came to a total of nearly $60,000!

The Board of Directors, as well as our missionaries and all the volunteers and children they represent, extend our deepest thanks, first to God, and then to the many generous businesses and individuals who made this night such a success.  If you weren’t able to attend, but would still like to contribute to the work that Open Arms is doing, day in and day out, bringing hope to children, click on our Gala Donate page and give today.