A DeSoto County nonprofit that pairs young people with caring adult mentors is inviting the community to a night out for a good cause. The Hope Center gala, called “An Evening of Hope,” will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gin in Nesbit, according to the event listing on the Southaven Chamber of Commerce community calendar.
The fundraiser will include dinner and an awards program. Organizers say the evening will also feature stories from the Hope Center’s mentors and mentees about how those relationships have made a difference for local young people.
Hope Center Gala Details
What: An Evening of Hope, a fundraiser gala presented by The Hope Center
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Gin at Nesbit, 931 Nesbit Road, Nesbit
Tickets: $75 per person, according to the event flyer. Proceeds benefit The Hope Center.
Information: Event contact Stacy Dodd, listed on the flyer, at 901-484-8429
The event flyer includes a QR code for buying tickets. The full listing, including sponsorship information, is on the Southaven Chamber’s community calendar.
About The Hope Center
The Hope Center of North Mississippi is a nonprofit that focuses on mentoring youth in DeSoto County. On its website, the group describes its mission as “empowering youth through transformative mentoring relationships.” Its work is built around three parts: mentoring relationships with caring adults, community events and activities, and skill-building programs meant to build confidence.
The organization’s materials say it offers group and one-on-one mentoring, with a particular focus on students in the upper elementary and middle school years, which it sees as a key transition period. The center also holds free outreach events that use sports and team-building activities to connect with young people.
The Hope Center is an affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation’s Mentor program and serves families in communities across the county, including Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando and Horn Lake.
Why the Fundraiser Matters
Mentoring programs like the Hope Center’s depend heavily on volunteers and local donations. Money raised at galas like this one helps pay for the activities, events and materials that keep mentors and students meeting regularly throughout the year.
Residents who can’t attend but want to help can contact the organization about volunteering as a mentor or sponsoring the event.
