How did the organizers of the Nite of Hope think to top last year's record-breaking fundraiser gala?
Hollywood celebrities helped. This year's glittery event, dubbed Circle of Hope, featured KISS bassist Gene Simmons and his wife, Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed. That undoubtedly helped the event raise a record $261,000, beating last year's phenomenal $225,250.
Nite of Hope founder Judi Miller was humbled by the outstanding show of support from the local community.
When Miller began her journey of hope in 1994, she couldn't have foreseen what her cottage fundraiser would evolve into over the years.
Miller was driven to do something in support of breast cancer research by the losses of her 62-year-old mother, followed a few years later by her 31-year-old sisterin-law, both to breast cancer.
Five years after Miller's initial soiree, the event outgrew her home and Nite of Hope was born.
Last Wednesday, the 14th annual Nite of Hope was held in the River Rock Casino Resort Theatre.
"We still have donations coming in," said Miller. "It was absolutely crazy how much Howard Blank (VP of media and entertainment for the Great Canadian Casinos and Gene Simmons were able to raise during the live auction.
"It's really because of them that we made so much money - both were extremely generous. How do you top Howard and Gene as auctioneers?"
Miller also applauded Tweed for being the guest speaker, even though
she had the flu and a broken foot.
"Shannon was such a trooper even though she wasn't feeling well," Miller said. "She was gracious, funny and moving."
Even though NOH sold fewer tickets, 420 instead of the normal 450, the generosity of the attendees, coupled with many new surprises, took the affair to new heights.
"We had to take two tables out because the runway for the fashion show came out further," Miller added. "I thought the fashion show also was the best ever.
"Most people could see the models much better."
Miller also thought the live entertainment by tenor Giovanni Amenta was "first class."
"He was magnificent," she added. "I don't know how we are going to top this, but Shelley has told me she is already working on some new ideas."
Miller credits Shelley Leonhardt for doing "an incredible job."
This was Leonhardt's first year as chair, although she has been on the committee, in various roles, for nine years.
She took on the top job when Peggy O'Brien stepped down after last year's event after six years as chair.
"From the beginning, I had said to the committee that I really wanted guests to have that 'wow' factor - I think they had that from the moment they walked in," said Leonhardt.
"The stage, to me, was outstanding, the lighting was superb, and there was a kind of a lightness in the air.
"It was upbeat and happy." One of the most touching moments of the gala is the Rose Ceremony. This year, every breast cancer survivor or breast cancer victim was invited up on stage to receive a red rose from Simmons, while Amenta sang Stand by Me. More than one tear was shed during that part of the evening.
"We all know it's a serious cause we are raising money for, but I wanted people to go away with happy thoughts for the evening," Leonhardt said. "I thought Giovanni was amazing.
"It's not one person that makes this night happen, it's everyone working really hard to make this happen - I was very proud to be a part of that."
Meanwhile, the affable master of ceremonies Dale Wolfe, afternoon host on 103.5 QM/FM, kept the crowd engaged and the night running smoothly.
The evening ended with the highly anticipated fashion show featuring Aldila Boutique and Bare Basics Lingerie designs.
