Events

Evening of Hope Rocks Empower Field at Mile High

Thanks to one of the largest crowds Seeds of Hope has ever hosted, as well as a lineup of stellar speakers, the 2019 Evening of Hope Gala at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, November 9, 2019, raised more than $500,000 to advance the Seeds of Hope mission of cultivating hearts and minds for Christ through Catholic education.

More than 375 guests were on hand to enjoy hearing former NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Matt Birk passionately speak about the power and need of Catholic education in today's world. Funny ("I played offensive line, where they make the guys who aren't good at anything else play"), topical and heartfelt, Matt's speech received a standing ovation. Student speaker Emily Maerz, now a freshman at Arrupe Jesuit High School shared her story of conversion and spiritual growth while a student at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School, which also received a standing ovation. Archdiocese Superintendent Elias Moo and Saints Peter and Paul Principal Sister Faustina, OCD, also received warm receptions for their remarks.

The highlight of the evening was honoring long-time Catholic education ambassadors Maribeth and Bill Hanzlik with the Sister LaVonne Guidoni awarder their service. Event MC Jim Benneman from CBS 4 Denver, and Seeds of Hope Executive Director Jay Clark both delivered emotional remarks about how the Hanzliks are shining lights in the Denver community and have set a great example of what it means to give back. Both Bill and Maribeth spoke and brought laughs, tears and above all, joy to the crowd, sharing their devotion to their faith, their family and Catholic education.

The event serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Seeds of Hope and all of the proceeds from the event go directly to fund the organization's mission. Please click on the link above to see some beautiful photographs from the event.