Red Oak Hope Raises $325,000 at Its Record-Breaking Gala in Austin

This article is produced by TRIBEZA as sponsored content.

Supporters, community leaders and partners gathered at the Junior League of Austin on Sept. 20 for Red Oak Hope’s 12th annual A Night of Hope Gala. With dancing, raffle prizes and spirited bidding, guests helped raise $325,000 to support survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking across Central Texas.

Heather Moga, Red Oak Hope’s Senior Director of Program Development, opened the evening with a look at the everyday milestones behind the organization’s mission. For survivors, progress can mean learning to name an emotion, reconnecting with services, securing employment or recognizing that new choices are possible. Her remarks underscored the role of relationships and sustained support in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

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Candiss Gray, Heather Moga, Anne Boon, Haley Patterson, Heidi Moga, Jaclyn Byrd and Emily West. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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Julie Walton and Emily Salz. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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Steve Jaska and Linda Gamst. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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Garrett and Anne Boon, Emily and Jack Cardwell, Temp and Kerry Keller and Susan Dunaway. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

A year of growth and impact

That commitment to collaboration carried into the presentation of Red Oak Hope’s Founder’s Award for Partnership and Movement Building to SAFE CARES, one of the organization’s closest partners in Central Texas. The award recognized the team’s work and a shared understanding: No single organization can meet every survivor’s needs. Lasting change depends on partners sharing resources, solving problems and showing up for one another.

Executive Director Haley Patterson reflected on the persistence and connections that sustain Red Oak Hope’s work. More than 100 people have reached out to the organization for support this year. Red Oak Hope has also expanded its community-based services, strengthened its housing and therapeutic programs and deepened local partnerships.

Staff members brought that work into focus with stories from the past year, sharing moments of survivors finding safety, reconnecting with others and taking steps toward healing.

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The gala band performs at Red Oak Hope’s A Night of Hope fundraiser. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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Guests browse raffle packages. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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Volunteers welcome guests at check-in. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

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A guest celebrates winning a wine pull prize at Red Oak Hope’s A Night of Hope Gala. (Photo by Shelley Elena)

Guests also had plenty to celebrate on the dance floor and at the live auction, led by Cowboy Auctioneer. Trips to Napa Valley, Tuscany and Costa Rica drew generous bids, while raffle prizes added to the evening’s excitement.

The record-breaking gala reflected the community support behind Red Oak Hope’s mission. With help from sponsors, donors, volunteers, partners and guests, the organization continues its work building a community where survivors can find safety, connection and lasting freedom, hope and restoration.