Table Hosts play a vital role in the success of our biggest fundraising event of the year, the Gala of Hope (Oct. 1, Centennial Catering and Conference Center). Our goal this year is simple: fill every seat in the room.
The Gala is a fundraising event and an opportunity for guests to learn more about Bright Hope’s life-affirming ministry. It’s also a wonderful evening out — a time of warm fellowship, a delicious meal, inspiring stories, and this year, an entertaining keynote from pastor and comedian Gordon Douglas. Many people attend their first Gala because someone they know personally invited them, and that invitation often becomes the beginning of a lasting connection with Bright Hope.
Please fill out this survey to let us know if you’re willing to serve in this role.
What Does a Table Host Do?
As a Table Host, you will:
- Invite guests to join you at your table for the Gala of Hope, with the goal of filling all 8 seats.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere by introducing guests, encouraging conversation, and helping people feel comfortable.
- Share your own connection to Bright Hope and why you believe this ministry matters.
- Distribute the giving materials provided at your table when we reach the giving portion of the evening (during the concluding segment of Gordhon Douglas’ keynote).
- Collect completed donation materials from your guests and return them in the provided envelope.
What Does a Table Host NOT Do?
As a Table Host, you are not expected to:
- Pay for seats at your table.
- Register your guests (please don’t!).
- Collect registration fees from your guests.
- Make a fundraising presentation or personally ask guests for a donation.
The Gala program includes an invitation for all attendees to support Bright Hope financially. Your role is simply to help your guests feel welcomed and provide them with the materials they need when that time comes.
Whom Should You Invite?
Start by thinking about people who would enjoy learning more about Bright Hope while sharing a fun evening with you.
Consider inviting:
- Friends or family members who care about supporting women, families, and the pro-life cause.
- People from your church.
- Coworkers or business contacts.
- Supporters of other life-affirming ministries.
- People who may not know much about Bright Hope but would appreciate hearing about the impact being made throughout the Lehigh Valley.
- People who have asked about your involvement with Bright Hope.
Remember: You’re not asking someone to become a donor before they know anything about Bright Hope. You’re inviting them to enjoy a memorable evening, hear inspiring stories, and learn about a ministry that’s making a difference in our community.
How Do I Invite Someone?
The most effective invitations are personal.
Whenever possible, invite someone face to face or with a phone call, then follow up with a text or email containing the event details. A personal invitation is much more effective than simply forwarding an email or sending a registration link.
Share why Bright Hope matters to you. Your enthusiasm and personal experience are often what encourage someone to attend.
Examples:
“I’d love for you to join me at Bright Hope’s Gala of Hope. It’s a really enjoyable evening with a great meal, inspiring stories, and this year, a funny keynote speaker. I’d love for you to learn more about the work Bright Hope is doing.”
“I’m hosting a table at Bright Hope’s Gala and would love to have you join me. I think you’d really enjoy the evening, and it’s a great opportunity to hear how women and families are being helped right here in our community.”
“Bright Hope has become important to me because of the difference they’re making. Would you consider being my guest at this year’s Gala?”
Tips for Filling Your Table
- Start early. Make it your goal to invite your guests and have all 8 seats at your table filled by Sept. 1.
- Make a list. Write down 10–15 people you could invite. Not everyone will be available, so it’s helpful to have several possibilities.
- Use your invitations. We’ll provide printed invitations for you to personally hand to prospective guests. We’ll give you enough to fill the remaining seats at your table.
- Follow up. If someone expresses interest, check back with them and answer any questions they may have.
- Don’t be discouraged by a “no.” People decline invitations for many reasons that have nothing to do with Bright Hope. Simply continue inviting others until your table is full.
During the Gala
Your goal is to help your guests enjoy the evening and feel welcome.
Before the event
- Remind your guests about the date, time, and location.
- Let them know you’re looking forward to spending the evening together.
During the event
- Welcome guests as they arrive.
- Introduce people around the table.
- Help conversations get started if needed.
- Share why Bright Hope is meaningful to you and what led you to become involved.
When it’s time for giving
- When prompted, pass out the provided donation materials.
- Encourage guests to prayerfully consider supporting Bright Hope’s ministry if they feel led to do so. (Our keynote speaker will extend the invitation to give, so the pressure isn’t on you.)
- Collect completed materials and return them in the envelope provided.
Thank you for helping make the Gala of Hope a welcoming, encouraging, and impactful evening. By filling your table, you’re giving others the opportunity to experience Bright Hope’s mission firsthand and become part of what God is doing through this ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t fill all 8 seats at my table?
Do your best to invite guests and fill your table. If you still have empty seats as the event approaches, we’ll try to seat other attendees at your table so every seat is filled and everyone feels welcome.
What if I have more people than my table can hold?
That’s great! We’d much rather have that problem. We’ll gladly seat your additional guests at a nearby table so your group can still enjoy the evening together.
Can I register my guests for them?
Please don’t. To avoid unfilled seats and ensure we have accurate contact information, meal selections, and other registration details, ask each guest to register directly through our website or by calling our office. The process is quick and easy, and it helps us serve everyone well.
What if someone I’m inviting has questions about Bright Hope?
Feel free to share why you’re involved and what Bright Hope means to you. If they have questions you can’t answer, simply connect them with our staff — we’re happy to talk with them before the Gala.
What if one of my guests can’t attend after registering?
Just let our office know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to fill that seat.
How should I describe the Gala when I invite someone?
Be sure your guests understand that the Gala is Bright Hope’s annual fundraising event. They’re being invited to enjoy a wonderful evening while learning about Bright Hope’s ministry and hearing how lives are being changed. During the program, there will also be an opportunity to financially support the ministry.
A simple way to describe it is:
“It’s Bright Hope’s annual fundraising gala. We’ll enjoy a great meal and hear inspiring stories about the ministry, and there will be an opportunity at the end to make a gift to support the work.”
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
For questions about being a table host, please contact Dave Block, Dave@BrightHopeCenters.org. For questions about registration, contact Amity Bechtel, Amity.Bechtel@BrightHopeCenters.org. We’re happy to help before the Gala and want to make hosting your table as easy as possible.