It’s gala season at Hephzibah! Each year, following the Heart of Gold Ball, there’s another special gala that warms the hearts of all who attend and celebrates some very special individuals.
The Kids Gala, held at Hephzibah Home for the children who live there, is planned by Hephzibah’s Oak Park Auxiliary and is always an event to remember. For the past five years, the Oak Park Auxiliary has organized this wonderful event as a way to make sure that the children at the home are celebrated and praised for what makes each of them special.
Celebrating every child’s uniqueness at the home has long been a therapeutic tool for staff. Hosting a special celebration where each child can be honored and congratulated for their individuality is a clear way to build confidence and help them heal. For children who have suffered abuse and neglect, confidence and encouragement can be powerful and life-changing.
At the event, the theme is always “Celebrate” and that is just what happens. The day of the event, each child wears their finest clothing to meet the dressed up auxiliary members in the decorated dining room. Every child is presented with an award detailing all the ways they are special. Examples of awards given this year are Best Smile, Best at Building and Constructing, Best Hugger and True Gentleman. Each child receives an award certificate, a trophy, a polaroid photo of them receiving their award and a goody bag filled with special mementos.
Words can’t describe the joy this event brings to the children, the Oak Park Auxiliary board and the staff. However, when the children do describe the experience, it’s common to hear “I’ve never received a trophy before” or “I feel really important right now”. We can’t thank our Oak Park Auxiliary enough for going above and beyond and giving the children of Hephzibah Home memories that will last them a lifetime.