Hope Enterprises Holds Annual Reception with Community Theme

Hope's individuals, partners, supporters, board members and staff celebrating at Hope Enterprises' 2017 annual reception October 19.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. –– More than 300 people gathered at the Pennsdale Civic Center on October 19 for Hope Enterprises' annual reception. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the community-themed event provided an opportunity for Hope to recognize its partners and the individuals the organization serves as well as to look ahead to the future of Hope and its growing role in the community.

This year's event planners created a new format for the event. Hope's president, Robert Labatch, explained the new direction.

Reggie Smith and Peachy O'Connor

"I asked the staff to create a wedding reception atmosphere, and they ran with it," said Labatch, who noted that relaxation, fun and fellowship were the goals for the evening. Hope individuals, staff, board members and friends of the organization had the chance to socialize and celebrate all that is good about Hope Enterprises.

Opening musical entertainment was provided by Voices of Hope. Hope's board chairman, Jerry Wertz, provided a look at the year in review and recognized the Williamsport chapter of the Aktion club, a Kiwanis club for individuals with disabilities, along with several Hope partners that achieved milestones during the year.

Tanya Weber and Greg Artley

Labatch spoke about the community theme of this year's event.

"In 2018, Hope will continue to position our services and supports to maximize community participation for the people we serve," he said.

The evening also included recognition of several Hope individuals who received special awards. Following the night's presentations and dinner, guests danced the night away to music provided by DJ Bill Wachter.