A successful fund-raiser does not happen by accident.
Long before the first guest walks through the door, countless hours of planning, organizing, coordinating and volunteering have already taken place behind the scenes. From securing sponsors and auction items to arranging entertainment, seating and logistics, events like Circle of Hope’s annual Denim and Diamonds Gala require months of preparation and the work of many dedicated people.
This year’s gala proved to be another major success for the organization, raising more than $52,000 to support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the community.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support shown by our community at this year’s Gala,” said Suzanne Dow, executive director of Circle of Hope. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised more than $52,000, and those funds will help us continue providing critical services to families and in our community.”
Dow has been with Circle of Hope since 1997, dedicating nearly three decades to the organization and its mission. Over the years, she has helped guide the nonprofit through growth, outreach efforts and fundraising initiatives that have become critical to sustaining its services.
But Dow is also quick to recognize that events like Denim and Diamonds depend on an entire team effort.
One of the familiar faces helping create the evening’s atmosphere was Northeast Georgia entertainer Monica Spears, who volunteered her musical talents for the gala. Spears said her connection to Circle of Hope dates back more than a decade.
Spears first became involved around 2011 while volunteering at the shelter in a variety of support roles, including grocery shopping and helping wherever needed. In recent years, she has continued giving back by performing at fundraising events, including Denim and Diamonds.
“I was just honored to be a part of it,” Spears said.
A well-known performer throughout Northeast Georgia, Spears has spent nearly 30 years entertaining audiences at wineries, restaurants and venues across the region. On the day of the gala alone, she had already completed a four-hour performance before arriving to sing at the fundraiser.
“It’s my passion,” Spears said. “I love it. It’s just what I’ve done forever.”
While guests enjoyed music and entertainment inside the venue, volunteers like Randall Fry helped keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes.
Fry said he first learned Circle of Hope needed volunteers through a friend and decided he wanted to help give back to the community.
“I knew they had a support staff. I knew they had a board, but not for volunteers,” Fry said.
After completing the application process and background checks, Fry joined the volunteer team and now assists with events such as Denim and Diamonds and other fundraisers throughout the year.
“Whatever they need me to [do],” Fry said of his role, which includes helping with parking, seating and general event support.
Another key part of the evening was the live auction led by veteran auctioneer Adam Burrell.
Burrell, who has been working auctions for about 15 years, said he was contacted after being recommended to Circle of Hope organizers. Although he normally works paid events, Burrell said he provided Circle of Hope with a significant discount on his services to help support the fundraiser.
Auctioneering, he explained, requires extensive training and licensing, along with years of experience.
During the gala, Burrell’s rapid-fire auction calls and lighthearted humor helped energize the room and encourage participation from bidders.
“That is something that we was sort of taught,” Burrell said of interacting with the crowd. “It’s sort of what we call free entertainment.”
Burrell said engaging the audience helps people feel comfortable and keeps everyone involved in the excitement of the auction. He also praised the community’s generosity during the event, saying several auction items performed exceptionally well.
Together, organizers, volunteers, entertainers and community supporters helped turn this year’s Denim and Diamonds Gala into another successful night for Circle of Hope — one that will ultimately help provide critical services and support for families across Habersham County and Northeast Georgia.
