The Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center was festively transformed recently for its annual Wreaths and Wine fundraising event. Organizers opted to host a delicious sit-down dinner this year, so the tables where students regularly buckle down for some serious studying were bedecked for the evening in a dazzling red-and-gold motif, augmented by Christmas decorations and lighting.

Dasie Hope was founded by Verna Wright in 2001 in memory of her mother, Dasie Bridgewater, who recognized that a good education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. The recent addition of four more classrooms, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Lab and a basketball/tennis court are enabling even greater opportunities for future success.

As in the past, guests were encouraged to bid on a large assortment of donated silent-auction items and to purchase beautifully decorated wreaths donated by local florists. In the kitchen, Emily Duval and Megan Beath, under the supervision of Kenny Porazzo from Quail Valley Golf Club, were busy preparing a delectable dinner featuring New York strip steak, shrimp scampi, chicken piccata and, of course, scrumptious desserts.

In his welcome address, board member Glenn DeSimone thanked everyone for their support of the Wabasso-based nonprofit organization, which provides quality afterschool and summer academic and recreational programs to roughly 100 children in grades K to 12.

“It’s a wonderful organization,” said DeSimone. “There’s going to be a special treat. We have 10 choir singers tonight that are going to entertain us with two Christmas carols. They have done a wonderful job under the tutelage of Rachel Carter from the Community Church (where Carter is assistant director of Music and Arts), working with these kids two days a week since October.”

Earlier he had noted that the Dasie Hope Children’s Choir had recently performed at the John’s Island Christmas tree lighting ceremony and had been very well received.

Guests also heard stirring solo renditions of “Silent Night” and “Destiny” performed a capella by Courtney Godwin, youth director at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Wright said that proceeds from the event will help provide funding for various student programming, as well as for a festive Christmas party for the children, where they will receive presents donated by the Community Church, Syngenta and other generous individuals.

“For some children it will be the only gift they get,” said Wright. “During the year we have parent meetings and this year we’re also giving a certificate to a parent who has come to all the meetings and has volunteered. It’s a way to encourage other parents to do it too.”

The board recently launched an awareness and fundraising campaign, branding Dasie Hope as: “The Miracle on 64th Avenue: A safe place for children to envision their future and create a productive life for themselves.”

For more information, visit dasiehope.org.