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!

Events Keep the Lights On

Events are a very important part of the work we do at Hope House. In order for us to offer our services to the people that need us, we must continue to raise dollars and awareness of our mission. Events are a great way to accomplish this goal. Net proceeds from our events help to support our daily operations; they help keep the doors open and the lights on every day.

SPRING FLING

Hope House hosts four events during the year. There was Spring Fling (a casino night) in March, and it was a huge success this year despite the blizzard! The first day of spring, and we were hit with a snow storm. It didn’t dampen the spirits of the 160 courageous souls who braved the weather to join us.

CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

Our golf tournament is just around the corner and will be held on May 17^th. Held at Creekmoor Golf Club in Raymore, Missouri, we have a sell out crowd that will spend the day golfing, eating and buying auction items. The golf tournament has been a big hit and we are fortunate to have most of the same teams return year after year to continue to support us. It is opportunity for people to have fun and help us raise funds at the same time. What a win-win for everyone.

COMING UP

Rounding out the year is Hope & All That Jazz, our black tie gala, on August 21st, and Howlin’ for Hope, a rocking interactive dueling piano show on October 3rd. Visit our website to find out more details and get information about sponsorships and tickets.

THIRD PARTY EVENTS 

We have many third party events during the year as well. These events are hosted by others, with proceeds coming back to Hope House. For example, Mama Ray hosted her 15th Annual Have a Heart for Hope on April 11th at BB’s Lawnside BBQ and raised over $3,000! Please visit our website www.hopehouse.net to see a listing of the upcoming third party events. If you are interested in sponsoring your own event for Hope House, please let us know!!