Night of Hope Gala 2025: An Evening of Impact, Joy, and Unforgettable Moments

We’re still glowing from the incredible energy and generosity that filled the room at this year’s Night of Hope Gala — and wow, what a night it was!

On April 25, 2025, more than 240 guests gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg for an evening full of celebration, community, and purpose. From the moment the doors opened to the last note played by the Cleveland Keys, the love in the room was undeniable.

Thanks to our amazing attendees, supporters, and sponsors, we’re thrilled to share that we raised over $170,000 for the Gift of Time Together program. This level of support means more customized, joy-filled experiences for families affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses; a chance for them to create memories that bring comfort long after treatments and hospital visits.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant cocktail reception, setting the tone for what would be a lively and inspiring event. As guests found their seats and dinner was served, the energy continued to build. The food was delicious, the drinks were even better, and the conversations were filled with laughter and connection.

After dinner, the tone of the evening shifted into something even more powerful. Todd Meany of FOX 8 News took the stage as our emcee and led us into the program with warmth and heart. He introduced Brendon Higgins, Carson’s oldest brother, who delivered a moving speech about Carson’s life, the memories they shared, and the impact Carson continues to make through the work of the CarsonStrong Foundation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

That emotional momentum carried into a powerful video tribute, where two Gift of Time Together families shared their stories and offered a glimpse into the experiences your donations make possible. Their heartfelt words reminded everyone in the room exactly what this night was all about — giving families the gift of time, joy, and healing when they need it most.

Following the video, auctioneer Dick Kiko led the “Fund a Cause” portion of the evening, helping to raise over $80,000 — surpassing our original goal of $75,000. The generosity poured in as story after story showed just how meaningful these getaways are for families navigating the toughest journeys of their lives.

The Cleveland Keys took the stage later in the evening and brought the house down with their signature dueling pianos performance. They had the room singing along, dancing, and even throwing a few song requests onto the pianos.

Adding to the fun, our friends at FunBooth Canton brought their photobooth magic to the evening. Guests stepped in front of the camera, snapped hilarious and heartwarming pictures, and walked away with photo strips to remember the night.

But beyond the laughter and the festivities, what stood out most was the impact. We had the honor of recognizing families who have received the Gift of Time Together, and hearing their stories reminded all of us exactly why this mission matters. It was a powerful moment, one that brought the room to tears and reinforced the importance of every dollar raised.

We are endlessly thankful to every guest, volunteer, and donor who helped make the evening a success, and to the generous sponsors who make this work possible year after year.

Because of you, more families will get the chance to step away from the stress of treatment and experience joy, connection, and peace — even if just for a little while.

We already can’t wait for next year. Until then, thank you for standing with us.