The Source’s 19th “Night of Hope” Fundraiser “Night of Hope…Night of Dreams

The 19th Annual “Night of Hope…Night of Dreams” fundraiser to benefit The Source was held on Tuesday evening, February 6 at Magnolia Manor in Vero Beach.  The Source proudly partnered with Cindy O’Dare and Richard Boga with ONE Sothebys’ International Realty, and nearly 250 guests, staff, volunteers, sponsors, donors and friends of The Source were present. All enjoyed an inspiring evening of dreams and hopes through moving and informative videos and a motivating keynote speaker, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. Rudy was the inspiration for the popular motion picture “Rudy” which was produced about his life story and his dreams to play football with Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This was clearly presented through décor and giveaways for the attendees and the sponsors throughout the event. The evening turned out chilly, windy weather…but the attendees were filled with warm hearts as they huddled together for a great cause.

The reception was catered by The Source’s own Dignity Catering, featuring a bountiful selection of hot and cold hors d’eouvres followed by a dessert selection, all creatively designed for the evening. Cupcakes decorated with a message “Dream Like A Champion” and encased in a carry home box, were handed out to all guests upon departure of the evening. A full bar operated by Proof Cocktail & Catering served all evening with thanks to sponsor Princess Liquors. Entertainment was supplied by James Broxton Productions while Barwick Entertainment oversaw the audio and lighting effects.

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, navigated the crowd through a thoughtfully pre-designed program filled with a plethora of updates on the expanding programs and services that The Source offers, touching stories about their member’s successes, and what the organization has plans to accomplish in the coming year. The program highlighted several videos that were produced by Jonathan Orozco, Development Director of The Source and Graphic Artist Judy Graziosi who utilized a myriad of facts and photos to summarize what The Source is doing to benefit the homeless population in Indian River County.

The evening was capped off by an informative and moving presentation by Rudy who told his story and explored the idea of having and building a dream, remaining steady on the course, overcoming obstacles and staying inspired along the way. In short, the insight he learned along the way made him persevere and ultimately reach his goals while making his dreams come true. Following Rudy’s speech, he and esteemed Auctioneer Ron Rennick had an opportunity to auction off a number of priceless autographed memorabilia from Rudy’s collection to happy fans in the audience. An autograph session at a Meet & Greet with Rudy concluded the evening as guests departed the venue.

Zorbaugh was tremendously moved by the outpouring of support and partnership at the event. “If we dream enough, hope and pray enough, believe enough, and do enough, our expectations of positive outcomes will come true.”