Lynn Wyatt Hasn’t Missed This Gala Once in Nearly 30 Years: Why Trees of Hope Means So Much
BY Shelby Hodge // 12.11.17Sherry Verburgt holds a puppy after the auction at the Trees of Hope Eclipse Ball.
What: Trees of Hope Eclipse Ball
Where: The Royal Sonesta
PC Moment: Since the inaugural Trees of Hope gala 28 years ago, honorary chair Lynn Wyatt has dedicated this one night each year to the homeless children in the Star of Hope family shelter, an entity that she and husband Oscar Wyatt have supported in other means of largess through the years. She hasn’t missed a single Trees of Hope gala in almost three decades. That Wyatt spirit generates ongoing support for the evening that features a forest of holiday-decorated trees and decorations that are offered in silent auction.
Adding to the $400,000 results this year was the live auction of a chocolate lab puppy that went for $10,000.
Co-chairs Shana Bass and Ashley Beecher led the night that honored long-time Charlotte Rothwell Wands and her daughters-in-law Melanie Rothwell and Mary Rothwell.
Who: Star of Hope CEO Hank Rush and wife Elizabeth, Trees of Hope board of trustee president Laura Jones and husband Steve, Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse, Tany and Chaz Klaes, Kimberly and David Dominy, Staci Donovan, Allison Jordan, Melissa Erwin, Julie and Bubba Crosby, and Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook.