Mama Ray's Have A Heart Jazz & Blues Benefit

Each year, for the past 19 years, Diane “Mama” Ray has headed up the fundraiser “Have a Heart”, a jazz and blues benefit for Hope House. This dedication started back when she was an administrative assistant at Hope House and viewed, from the frontlines, the horrendous effect domestic violence had on so many women. She also saw, first hand, the hope that many gained by coming to Hope House and began to understand just what it takes to make that happen—financially and otherwise.

Mama Ray took it upon herself to do something to help and decided to champion us outside of work too. She decided to become our advocate in the way she knew best—through her considerable talent. And she didn’t stop there. She also got her friends involved—some of the best jazz and blues bands in the area—and Have a Heart was born. The annual benefit takes place at the venerable B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ, a Kansas City favorite since 1990 known for its great music and bar-b-que. 

JOIN US for the 19th ANNUAL JAZZ & BLUES BENEFIT hosted by MAMA RAY!

April 13^th from 1pm-9pm
BB's Lawnside Bar-B-Q
1205 E. 85th Street, Kansas City, MO

You can be sure you’ll eat and drink well, hear some AMAZING MUSIC, partake of live auctions between bands and generally have a good time all the while supporting a great cause…us!

This year features:
Mark Valentine & The Ticklers
Brian Ruskin & Friends—with Special Guest Julie Turner
Funk Syndicate
Kathleen Kunkler & The One Night Stand Band
Everette DeVan Quartet
Eboni Fondren
Sharon Thompson
The Old Crows
Levee Town
And Many More Special Guests!

Tickets are $8 in advance at https://9404.thankyou4caring.org/events/have-a-heart or $10 at the door.

We hope to see you there!

Hope & All That Jazz

We are gearing up for our annual Hope and All That Jazz this Saturday, August 18, at the Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City.

We look forward to this annual event as we gather with 500 of our supporters and friends to raise money for the daily operations at Hope House. It is a fun evening to dress up and mingle with friends and those you haven’t seen for some time. 

Everyone is in a good mood and ready to bid on the wonderful auction items that are displayed so beautifully. Every year bidding wars happen. It’s so fun to watch people hovering close to the bid sheet, ready to write down the next bid as soon as the previous bidder walks away. 

We have wonderful donors that donate beautiful and unique auction items that appeal to everyone. We have sports items, beautiful artwork, home accents, a wonderful collection of wine, and so much more. There truly is something for everyone.

The live auction includes trips, sports packages, and a much sought after puppy, to name a few.

We will have a story from a survivor that I am so looking forward to hearing. She is truly an inspiration and I know people will be moved by her story of survival and her sense of gratitude and optimism.

If you have never been to Jazz before I encourage you to consider it this year. It’s a great time and all of the proceeds help us continue our mission of breaking the cycle of domestic violence.

It isn’t too late to sponsor a table or to buy individual tickets. Contact Libby at 816-257-9334 for more information. I hope to see you on the 18^th.