Every year, as the ballroom fills with laughter, music, and the warmth of a community coming together, there’s a force behind the scenes making it all happen.
You might not see them when you arrive. You won’t find them under the spotlight. But without them? A Night of Hope wouldn’t exist.
They are the early-morning setup crews and the last ones to leave after the final auction item has been claimed.
They are the connectors, the fundraisers, the fixers, and the problem-solvers.
They are the heart of this event.
Tonight, we celebrate the people behind the magic.
Meet the Faces of Dedication
Connie Chester: The Silent Auction Powerhouse
From the moment the first donation form is signed to the last winning bid, Connie Chester is the reason our silent auction runs like a well-oiled machine.
A retired hospital administrator, Connie has been with One Way Love from the very beginning, bringing the same precision and heart to organizing donations, tracking bids, and ensuring guests walk away with their winnings.
She’s the person you’ll see double-checking bid sheets, making sure everything is seamless, and greeting donors with a warm smile, a clipboard in hand, and an unmatched level of organization.
Her work isn’t just about running an auction—it’s about turning generosity into impact.
Homer Minshew: The Man with the Golden Tickets
If you’ve ever raised a glass of champagne at A Night of Hope, you probably have Homer Minshew to thank.
A financial planner by day and a fundraising powerhouse by night, Homer personally donates the wine and champagne that keeps the celebration flowing.
But that’s not all.
He’s also the face behind our 50/50 raffle—the one working the room, selling tickets with a grin, and reminding everyone that half of the winnings go to a great cause, and the other half goes home with a lucky winner. And if you’ve ever met Homer, you know—he makes sure every ticket bought feels like an investment in something bigger.
Sue Ryan: The Auction Donation Queen
Every year, before the first bid is placed, there’s an entire season of phone calls, business visits, and “let’s make this happen” conversations—and that’s where Sue Ryan comes in.
A dedicated volunteer and a force to be reckoned with, Sue works tirelessly to secure auction items and sponsorships for the event.
As a hairdresser with deep connections in the community, she leverages every relationship she has to bring in the best auction items, rally local businesses, and ensure that every table at A Night of Hope is filled with people who care.
Her ability to turn conversations into commitments is nothing short of magic.
Leah & Vince Cheshire: The Backbone of Checkout & Sponsorship
If there’s one thing A Night of Hope needs to succeed, it’s flawless execution at checkout.
Enter Leah and Vince Cheshire—owners of Dairy Queen in Slidell, longtime sponsors, and the incredible duo who handle the finances and logistics for auction payments, checkouts, and ensuring every dollar raised goes exactly where it’s needed.
It’s an enormous responsibility, and they handle it with grace, efficiency, and the kind of leadership that makes the entire event run smoother.
They don’t just show up on event night. They plan, troubleshoot, and support One Way Love throughout the year, making sure the gala isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a legacy of hope.
So Many More Who Make This Night Possible
These are just a few of the dedicated hands and hearts behind A Night of Hope.
The ones who set the tables before the guests arrive and break them down after the last dance.
The ones who make sure your bid counts, your donation is processed, and your experience is unforgettable.
The ones who volunteer—not for recognition, but because they believe in what we do.
They show up. Year after year. Because they believe that every young person deserves a future.
And you can join them.
Be Part of the Magic
A Night of Hope is more than a gala. It’s a movement. And like any movement, it thrives when more people get involved.
If you’re inspired by Connie, Homer, Sue, Leah, Vince, and the countless others who make this night happen, here’s how you can step in and make a difference:
It takes a village to pull off a night like this. Be part of ours.
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