More than 250 members of the Penn State community gathered on Friday, January 22 at the landmark venue Capitale, for the second annual Hope Gala, to benefit THON and the Four Diamonds Fund. The fundraiser, led by Overall Chairperson Meghan Day (Class of 2003) and dozens of volunteers, featured a raffle and a silent auction that featured unique items like a 30 Rock script signed by Tina Fey, VIP seats to the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a Joe Paterno signed football.

The night kicked-off with a performance by the Blue Band, who made a special trip to the Big Apple just for the event. Hosted by Penn State football legend LaVar Arrington, Hope Gala also featured several moving speeches by families who have been touched by the Four Diamonds Fund the most. Connie and Hank Angus, spoke of how their son’s struggle with leukemia inspired them to start THON Express, a 135-mile relay run between Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and the floor of THON. The Fazekas family shared stories about their beautiful daughter, Ashley, who overcame her battle with cancer and is now a happy and healthy child. They each bravely shared their own reflections on courage, wisdom, honesty and strength and let the audience in tears.

The evening ended with dancing, courtesy of Sound Choice DJs, and then the crowd headed to 49 Grove, for an after party, which raised additional funds for the cause.