Hartwell, MA — August 12, 2026 — The Hartwell Community Foundation today announced its 28th Annual Lights of Hope Gala, an evening of dinner, live music, and community giving to be held Saturday, October 18, 2026, at the Riverside Pavilion. Proceeds from the event will fund the Foundation's emergency housing and food-assistance programs, which served more than 4,200 local families in the past year.
Now in its 28th year, the Lights of Hope Gala is the Foundation's largest fundraiser, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, and civic leaders in support of families facing hardship. This year's celebration sets a goal of $250,000 — funds that translate directly into rent relief, stocked food pantries, and warm meals through the coming winter.
The evening will feature a seated dinner prepared by local restaurants, a live auction, and a performance by the Hartwell Youth Chorus. Guests will hear directly from families whose lives were changed by the Foundation's programs over the past year. Tickets are $150 per guest, and tables for ten are available; all proceeds remain in the Greater Hartwell community.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for area businesses, and a limited number of community tickets are reserved for the families the Foundation serves. To purchase tickets, reserve a table, or become a sponsor, the public may visit the Foundation's website or contact the events office directly.
The Hartwell Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving Greater Hartwell, Massachusetts since 1971. Through emergency housing, food assistance, and family support programs, the Foundation works to ensure that every neighbor has a safe place to live and enough to eat. It is a registered 501(c)(3) organization funded by community donations.