On Lafayette’s St. Thomas More campus, you see the signs, the words, and feel the spirit and energy of an extra-special something called Hopefest.
Dane Adams with STM’s Campus Ministry says that Hopefest is the ending of their mission statement.
“It’s what we teach at St. Thomas More,” says Adams. “Students being God’s servant first, giving of themselves.”
Saturday, April 6th at Parc International will bring the 13th annual Hopefest Extravaganza. It’s a day full of music, and some amazing juniors, 16 and 17-year-olds, who are thinking not of themselves but of those around them.
Hopefest, says Adam Gilmore, is a pretty special thing.
“It’s like people who get together like juniors and helps the options program be stronger and faithful to kids and help others,” says Gilmore.
There will be terrific music and fabulous food all day long and a good time will be had by all.
“You’ll see a bunch of people having fun and enjoying themselves, says Gilmore. “Music and very good cooking. People supporting our options program every year..”
The options program fully integrates special needs kids into the St. Thomas More community. The extra-special human beings have an extra-special place at STM.
“They are the angels in our school,” says Adams. “They absolutely brighten my day to see their innocence, their beauty.”
Half of the money raised via Hopefest and these philanthropic juniors will go the STM Options Program.
The other half will be donated to Acadiana’s D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation
Donielle Watkins says the Foundation is excited to be participating again this year in STM’s Hopefest.
“We love what STM does,” says Watkins. “The fact that these juniors in high school are giving back.”
And these juniors have given back in a very big way, raising over a million dollars and putting in hours of volunteer work, according to Adams.
So, if you’re in need of something really cool, really fun, and a life-changer for many in our community. Head to Hopefest, courtesy of the St. Thomas More Junior Class this Saturday.
