Hopes and Dreams Gala
4th Annual Hopes & Dreams Gala
2025 Hopes and Dreams Gala: A Night of Extraordinary Impact!
Over 600 Champions. Half a Million Dollars Raised. Countless Lives Changed.
What happens when an entire community comes together with one shared vision? Magic. Pure, transformative magic.
The 2025 Hopes and Dreams Gala wasn’t just an event – it was a celebration of everything we believe in, everything we’ve built together, and everything we’re creating for the future. And YOU made it all possible.
A Milestone Celebration: 10 Years of Transforming Lives
The Numbers Tell an Amazing Story
Over 600 incredible supporters gathered at Saint John’s Resort on Friday, June 13th, 2025, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of electric. Together, we achieved something that still gives us chills: more than half a million dollars raised for the Living and Learning Enrichment Center.
But here’s what those numbers really mean – expanded programs, enhanced opportunities, and transformed lives for individuals with different abilities throughout our community.
This incredible success means we can continue providing:
- Vocational Training that leads to meaningful careers
- Life Skills Development that builds independence
- Social Connection Opportunities that create lasting friendships
- Job Placement Services that open doors to new possibilities
- Community Integration Programs that build understanding and inclusion
Our Gratitude Knows No Bounds
- To our sponsors who made the evening possible – your investment in our vision makes everything we do achievable.
- To our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – your dedication creates the foundation for success.
- To our auction donors who contributed such wonderful items and experiences – your generosity created opportunities for everyone to participate.
- To every single person who joined us – your presence, your support, your belief in our mission creates the energy that transforms lives.
The Living and Learning Story: A Decade of Hope, Growth, and Transformation
What began as a mother’s dream has blossomed into a beacon of hope for hundreds of families across Michigan. Ten years ago, founder Rachelle Vartanian saw a gap in services for individuals with different abilities. As both a special education teacher and a mother of a son with autism, she understood firsthand the challenges families faced in finding affordable, accessible programs that could help their loved ones thrive.
From Dream to Reality Starting with just seven participants meeting weekly at the Farmington Public Library, Living and Learning Enrichment Center has grown into a groundbreaking 12-acre campus on the Novi/Northville border. But this isn’t just about buildings – it’s about building lives.
What Makes Us Different
Living and Learning goes beyond traditional programs. We believe in:
- Real-world skill development
- Meaningful employment opportunities
- Genuine social connections
- Community integration
- Individual empowerment
Meet Our Community
Every day, we witness remarkable transformations:
- Young adults gaining their first paid employment
- Individuals moving into independent living
- Friendships forming and flourishing
- Parents seeing their children’s dreams become reality
- Communities becoming more inclusive and understanding
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re not just looking back – we’re looking forward. With your support, we’re expanding our programs, enhancing our facilities, and reaching more individuals who can benefit from our services.
Join Our Journey
The Hopes & Dreams Gala is more than an event – it’s an opportunity to be part of something transformative. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, every auction item donated helps write the next chapter in someone’s success story.
Our 2025 Gala Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Copper Sponsors
Table Sponsors
