Heart of the City Foundation Christmas Gala 2021

We had so much fun at our Christmas Gala on December 8th, 2021, and we want to celebrate again all the joy we experienced together. It was such a unique time where donors, mission partners, board members, and friends were all able to come together for a lovely evening of fellowship and generosity. 

For the first time, we held the Christmas Gala at the Rosalind Club and we enjoyed every minute of it. It was the perfect place for us to talk, eat, and laugh together with enough space to feel safe and uncomfortable, with Laura Sherwood’s wonderful piano-playing filling the room. It made our evening all the more beautiful. 

Arthur’s Catering again delighted each of us with their signature hors d'oeuvres, from the oysters to the steak martinis to the smoked salmon. It was a treat to get to enjoy their food. If you haven’t tasted it, you’ll want to!

But I think the highlight of the evening (aside from seeing old and new friends, of course), safe to say, was getting to hear from some of Heart of the City Foundation’s incredible mission partners. They inspired us with their stories and hearts to truly be the heart of our church, city, and world. 

We’re so thankful they came out to share their passions with us. So a special thank you to Dr. David Swanson of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Karen Thigpen of the Arts Fellowship of Orlando, Bret Allen of the Orlando Fellows, and Betsey and Rechaud Bell of Commission 127, and to all of the other mission partners who came to be with us.

And a special thank you to all the wonderful donors who came to the Christmas Gala as well! There’s nothing better than getting to see them all face-to-face and letting them see up close how they are helping to expand the Kingdom of God, they are helping to spread the faith, hope, and love of Jesus Christ with others. 

Thankfully, we have lots of photos (thank you to our photographer Chris Casler) to commemorate the evening. You might see some familiar faces. Enjoy!