On October 27, the United Way of Hempstead County held its inaugural fundraising Gala at the Hope Country Club. The red carpet event was designed to spotlight the important community agencies supported by the local United Way, including: Christian Charitable Medical Clinic, First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center of Hope, Hope in Action 1 & 2, Hempstead County 4-H, Junior Auxiliary of Hope, Senior Adult Center, Domestic Violence Prevention, Hope for Paws, and Harvest Regional Food Bank.

The evening featured an award ceremony where Michael Winarta from New Millennium Building Systems in Hope was named “Person of the Year,” Paul Henley was awarded the inaugural “Paul Henley Volunteer of the Year Award” for his 50+ years of service to the community, and the Christian Charitable Medical Clinic was named the “Agency of the Year.” The event raised almost $20,000 through generous sponsorships from over 45 businesses and individuals.