The new fundraiser organized by The SUCCESS Project will offer guests the chance to sample a variety of food and spirits, music and dancing, a casino game room and more. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Beacon of Hope Award to a deserving local family. Proceeds support the non-profit’s programs and services which assist those in need.
The SUCCESS Project helps low-income families who hunger for a better life to achieve their goals, and that’s why the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser is now called the “Taste of SUCCESS.” The event is still the culmination of the nine-week Families of Hope campaign and celebrates Harford County families who are striving to become financially self-sufficient; but for 2019 the banquet has been re-invented and will be held in a different venue with a changed format to offer attendees a brand new experience. The Taste of SUCCESS will take place November 1 at Liriodendron Mansion, 502 West Gordon Street in Bel Air from 7:00-11:00pm. Tickets are $65 each or $600 for ten and can be purchased here.
Organizers of the Taste of SUCCESS hope that a new centralized location in Bel Air, the historic venue, and features like the sip and sample set-up, more networking opportunities and the array of menu choices will draw the biggest crowd to date. Confirmed refreshment providers are Laurrapin Catering, Crossroads Bistro, Flavor Cupcakery and White Tiger Distillery, with others expected. The event will also offer returning popular attractions such as DJ music and dancing, a silent auction with many unique items up for grabs, and the chance to play for prizes in the “Thrill of Possibility” casino game room.
In addition to the food and fun, the Taste of SUCCESS includes the presentation of the Beacon of Hope award which will be given to one of the nominees in The SUCCESS Project’s Families of Hope campaign. All eleven of the nominees have overcome difficult circumstances such as abuse, medical catastrophes, drug dependency, homelessness or other crises, and each has been working throughout the year to improve their lives and become financially self-sufficient.
The 2019 Families of Hope nominees are: Jessica Eaton, nominated by Catholic Charities Early Head Start Harford County; Emily Green and Colin Strong, nominated by Harford Community College; Tiara Johnson and Stephanie Walker, nominated by Harford County Housing Agency; Lindsey Warfield, nominated by Inner County Outreach; Amanda Hernandez, Carol Robles and Jacqueline Wilson nominated by WIN Family Services; and self-nominated candidates, Michelle Barclay and Angela Sponaugle. Read the nominees’ stories here.
Nicki Biggs is the Executive Director of The SUCCESS Project. She explains the updated name this way, “The Taste of SUCCESS is a celebration of the hope and optimism that the Families of Hope themselves inspire. These individuals have faced sometimes traumatic conditions, but by working through one of our programs or utilizing other services in the county, they have had a “taste of success” which gives them the psychological nourishment they need to keep striving. Those stories whet the appetites for success of others and inspire them–and all of us–to continue hungering and working for more.”
The public can contribute to the continued success of the Families of Hope by attending the Taste of SUCCESS; serving as event sponsors; through the purchase of HOPE Candles; and by direct donations to The SUCCESS Project. Event tickets can be purchased via the Taste of SUCCESS webpage. Email Toni Shepard at [email protected] for information about sponsorship opportunities.
For more information about The SUCCESS Project and the Families of Hope Campaign visit www.theupwardclimb.org.
About The SUCCESS Project (www.theupwardclimb.org)
The “SUCCESS” in The SUCCESS Project stands for “Supporting the Upward Climb to Continued Economic Self-Sufficiency.” The mission of the non-profit is to provide at-risk youth and low-income adults with services that teach life skills and encourage personal economic independence. The program is free and provides case management and referral services in the following areas: education, job training, employment opportunities, health care, financial education, credit counseling, home ownership, career advancement, transportation, life skills and entrepreneurship.
About the Families of Hope Campaign (http://theupwardclimb.org/families-of-hope.html)
The Families of Hope is a publicity campaign and fundraiser that started in 2016. Contestants set specific financial goals and work to meet those goals through fundraising activities. A portion of what they raise is given back to The SUCCESS Project and used to support programs, workshops and events.
