"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision."
Join us for Hope Ball 2025, an unforgettable evening of elegance, joy, and purpose. This year’s event promises to dazzle with a theme inspired by timeless toile, whimsical bows, and a vibrant palette of blues and citrus. More than just a celebration, the Hope Ball brings together our community to support and uplift those in need, ensuring that hope continues to flourish. Join us for a night of dancing, dining, debutantes and gentleman, while making a meaningful impact as we come together to serve and to lift our neighbors in need.
Become a sponsor, purchase tickets or make a patron gift to support the 2025 Hope Ball!
- Pope Francis
Hope Ball 2025
Honorary Chairs
Mike and Terri Kern
Mike and Terri Kern have dedicated their lives to faith, family, and service. Longtime parishioners in the Kansas City area, they are cradle Catholics, parents of five, and grandparents of three.
Terri’s passion for serving vulnerable mothers stems from her grandmother, who founded Catholic Charities in Salt Lake City. She now advocates for life as a Client Advocate at Advice and Aid Crisis Pregnancy Center and has led numerous Bible studies. Mike serves on the boards of Catholic Community Health, St. Benedict’s Abbey, and KC Nativity Home for Pregnant Mothers, and has been a leader in CRHP Retreats. Together, they co-founded the St. Joseph of Cupertino Program at Benedictine College and continue to champion inclusive education.
As leaders of Guardians of Hope, they inspire others to support the mission of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Catholic Charities is honored to welcome them as this year’s Hope Ball Honorary Chairmen.
Michael J. Nolte is responsible for reconceptualizing and reimagining the annual fundraiser into honoring young Catholic debutants and gentlemen. This tradition of presenting debutants at an annual ball date back 66 years with the Catholic communities in both Chicago and St. Louis. The Deb Dad of three daughters and 45 years of professional wedding planning gives him a perspective that few others would have.
Michael is a cradle Catholic originally attending St. Charles Borromeo as a child and now Church of the Nativity, Leawood. His connection to CCKCSJ centers around his adoption of his first daughter in 1986. He has previously served on our board.
He’s a Fourth Degree Knight, founder of the Men of Nativity Honor Guard, the founder of “Starry Knights” fundraiser, speaker twice at “Men Under Construction”, founder of the Father/Daughter Dance” at Nativity and former Chairmen of Art and Environment at two parishes. He focuses on creating an entrancing aesthetic experience. His responsibility centers around the five senses; what you see, hear, taste and smell. His goal to make Hope Ball magical for all.
Ball Chairman
Michael J. Nolte
Celebrate your way!
Sponsorship packages
$1,000 to $100,000
Call or email Jody Breuer
(816) 659-8292 or jbreuer@ccharities.com or go to "Sponsorship" for details.
In person tickets $250 each.
A table can be purchased for $2,500/Table of 10.
Black-tie attire
Can’t attend on MARCH 29th?
Patron gifts of any size help assure that when neighbors are in need, Catholic Charities will be there to assist. All patron gifts are tax deductible.
Dive into the creative inspiration behind Hope Ball 2025 and spark your inspiration for the big night! Have fun with your dress or tux!
Saturday, March 29th
4:00 p.m. Bishop's Mass
5:00 p.m. Cocktail hour
6:30 p.m. Program and Dinner
Our Lady of Hope Society
Mission:
Inspiring Catholic high school students to live a life of service and charity while building a compassionate community that supports those in need and encourages a life of faith.
Vision:
·• Encouraging young Catholics to become leaders who serve others and strengthen their communities. (Service)
·• A community of high school students who lead with faith and compassion in securing resources for those in need. (Charity)
To enter a candidate
for consideration:
Student meets below criteria.
Catholic Identity
• Adhere to Catholic Social Teachings
• Acts of Charity (Service hours that comply with high school criteria)
Character
• Student in good standing
• Involved in the community
Academic
• Minimum GPA 3.0
Please submit form below. The last day to nominate a student is November 1, 2024.
Learn more about the Our Lady of Hope Society (included: FAQs, Mission & Vision, and Nomination Process)
For more information contact Jody Breuer, (816) 659-8292 or jbreuer@ccharities.com