By Tina Black—
MUNCIE, IN—H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Every day) is a local non-profit organization that unites the skills and expertise of local business leaders who are on a mission to empower, uplift and strengthen our community. The goal is to provide support to individuals and local organizations through fundraising and volunteering in order to build stronger bonds.
H.O.P.E. has been successfully moving forward with this initiative since the beginning of 2020, but officially became a 501(c)(3) in May, 2021. Since that time, H.O.P.E. has raised more than $85,000 for various organizations including, First Choice for Women, Christian Ministries, Allies, Family Alliance, Teenworks, Senior Citizens Center, A Voice for Kids, ARF, Madjax, Mayor Dan Ridenour’s 1000 trees in a 1000 days initative, Second Harvest, Blood n Fire, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner giveaways to families in need and Annual School Supply giveaways to all of the Elementary schools that reside outside the city limits, which include; Cowan, Eaton, Wes-Del, Royerton, Albany, Selma, Daleville and Yorktown.
Last year, H.O.P.E. added a scholarship program intended to help traditional and non-traditional students who wish to further their education past high school in Delaware County within the trades areas. This includes; manufacturing, plumbing, electrical, construction, HVAC, construction management, energy technology, automotive, cosmetology, etc.
The scholarship was created to honor the memory of the late owner of Muncie and Anderson Midas, Jack Surface. He had a heart to help people in our community and that is exactly what this scholarship has been able to do. Muncie and Anderson Midas continues to be the biggest supporter of this scholarship each year along with many other companies.
H.O.P.E’s 2nd Annual Jack Surface Scholarship Bowling Tournament fundraiser will be on February 22, 2023 at Munsee Lanes located at: 601 E. 26th St in Muncie. The tournament starts at 7pm. For those who would like to sign up for bowling teams, the cost is $25 per person. H.O.P.E. will be raffling various items off throughout the evening. People will also have a chance to win the 50/50 drawing should they choose to participate. There are various sponsorships available for companies who are interested ranging from $30 – $250. Anyone who would like to learn more about H.O.P.E, would like to receive the scholarship event flyer to sponsor or participate can contact them at: hopedelco@gmail.com . You can also email H.O.P.E. to request the scholarship application. Applications are due by March 31, 2023.
The most important part of the evening is to have fun and to raise money for individuals within our community who need a “help up” with their education. The goal is to support local, develop local and retain local students. You can find H.O.P.E. on facebook at “HOPE in Delaware County” for more information about events, fundraisers and joining the H.O.P.E family.
