Etsy Sales!

Felted bead hair clip sold order on Etsy.

Felted bead hair clip, another sold order on Etsy!

A pair of green wrist warmers we sold on Etsy.

A lucky shopper bought this tool holder from our Etsy shop.

Felted bead hair clip that we sold from our Etsy shop.

A set of felted easy grip soaps sold to a group called Reece's Rainbow, a special needs adoption group.

Sales at our Etsy shop have been brisk.  It is very exciting to see people from around the United States taking an interest in our Hope Handmade items.  We have had several sales of felted bead hair clips, wrist warmers, felted soaps and even a colorful pencil/art supply holder.  The students at Hope are so happy to know that others from around the country are using our products.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to feel appreciated and valued for their abilities and to contribute to their program though Etsy.  So, if you have not stopped by our Etsy shop for a look, now just might be the right time!

Annual Fundraiser a Success!

Happy guests.

Hope U student April assisting with the raffle.

The dance floor was busy all night.

Volunteer Logan Carter shows off a beach cruiser raffle prize.

Silent auction bidders.

In  earlier posts we showed students working on art for our annual fundraiser.  The event has come and gone with an exceptional evening had by all.  The Hi-Hopes performed much to the delight of the guests who danced the night away.  Our popular silent auction brought many back several times to check on their bids as the numbers climbed higher.  The raffle brought a demonstration of a beach cruiser bicycle that was ridden around the dance floor so everyone could have a better look.  A live auction of items and a live donation auction brought in much needed funds for our program, with the proceeds we will be able to purchase new computers for the office and computer room as well as new instruments, storage and supplies.  We thank everyone who attended and helped to support Hope University. 
Some students who attended the event told us what they liked about it:
"I liked the dancing."  Kim Mumper.
"Dancing with my friends."  April Renick.
"The food that they served us for dinner."  Ben Simendinger.
"I liked dancing on the dance floor."  Karen Greene.
"The ice cream." Frank Luna.  

Getting ready for the Gala

Centerpiece 'masks' drying.

Parent volunteer Deb D'Luna assists in glittering the masks.

Centerpiece masks with 'gems'.

Diane S's amazing red house original painting, available at this year's Gala.

Frank L's happy flower family, original colored pencil drawing available at this years Gala.

Jim L. shows us his unique perspective of light through a trellis.  

Sharon M's original painting of a resplendent Native American.  Available at our Gala.

Lori L's pretty girl in water color is reminiscent of a Japanese Kokeshi doll.  Available at this year's Gala.

As we mentioned in an earlier post, our annual fundraising gala 'Life is a Masquerade' will be this Saturday, March 10th with the silent auction room opening at 5:30.  The Hi-Hopes will play, people will dance, there is a large silent auction with a wide range of items such as, student created original artwork, gift baskets for every taste and even travel packages. 
The place is the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort at 12021 South Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92804, just up the street from Disneyland!
Above you see the centerpieces being created as well as some of the original artwork waiting to be framed.
We are very excited about this years gala and do hope to add to our building fund with the money we raise.  Hope University has been saving money to purchase our own facility and we are busting at the seams with clients now.  There are so many special needs adults that would love to join our Hope U family and enrich their lives through the arts.
Please contact us for more information on our program, to donate, to volunteer or to even to take a tour of our current facility.   

Artists Ready Work for the Annual Fundraiser

The artist, Tom, concentrates on his work.

Excellent brush strokes.

A proud artist.

The artist, Oscar, painting with intention.

What a fantastic painting.

Diane is adding pattern.

Once a year Hope University hosts a gala fundraiser to raise money for the program.  Our hopes are to be able to purchase a building to call our own.  We are looking for a facility to hold all of the wonderful things and people here at Hope U.  Ideally an old school or church building would fit our bill.  Classrooms, outdoor areas, lunch areas, office space, and a large hall with a stage would be our dream.  This years gala is entitled 'Life is a Masquerade', (masks optional) will be held on Saturday, March 10th.  The gala opens at 5:30 with a social hour and silent auction, to be followed by dinner, a live auction and live music provided by Hope University's very own band, the Hi-Hopes and dancing if you choose.  The place is the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort at 12021 South Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92804, just up the street from Disneyland!

In the photos above you see some of the Hope U artists creating work to be available at the silent auction.  The silent auction always has a large selection of wonderful items such as vacation packages, jewelry, sports tickets and memorabilia as well as a large selection of gift and food baskets. 
If you would like more information or to attend this years gala, please feel free to call us at (714)778-4440 or visit us on the web at www.hopeu.com. 

Product Parade

White felt trees with buttons, sewn by Ana P. and Christie C.

Green felt and circle trees, sewn by Carol R., Ana P. and Cindy H.

Sea horse drawn by Tanette T., sewn by Cindy H.

Potato Man, drawn by Patty M. and sewn by Cindy H.

Hand knitted pin cushion, pen/pencil holder, knitted by Cindy H.

Hand knitted/felted purse, knitted by Lori S.

Felt fun food sewn by Cindy H.

Hand knitted/felted purse, knitted by Lori S.

Hand knitted/felted purse, knitted by Cindy H.

The Hope University students have been hard at work all year producing product for sale at our annual Holiday Program.  Along with classes in art, music, computer, dance, math, reading and geography they also make lovely items to raise money for the school.  Here you see several new items added this year by our amazing and talented students.  The staff at Hope University strives to cultivate and inspire their clients and help bring out their talents and abilities for all to see, appreciate and share.
"Oh the things you can think up if only you try!" Dr. Seuss.
The Hope University Holiday Program will be on December 13th, Tuesday evening at the Plummer Auditorium located at 201 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton California. 
For more information about the Holiday Program, tickets or the products  Hope University produces you can call us at (714)778-4440 or visit our website at www.hopeu.com.

Three Day Weekend!

This coming weekend is a holiday, we are off on Monday for Columbus Day. The Hope U students are excited to have an extra day to do with as they please. Here we have some students having fun on field trips, to the mall and the Orange County Fair. Margaret on a swing ride, Cathy and Paul at the mall, Lori, Michelle and Tom waving at the camera outside the mall in Santa Ana California, lastly several students on a rocket at the Orange County fair this summer.
If you are looking forward to a long weekend and need some ideas, the Hope U students have these suggestions:

"Work on an art project."
Darren Petersen

"Rest and take it easy."
Howard Miller

"Have a barbecue."
Karen Leeb

"Go to Disneyland!"
Cathy Acton

"Visit with neighbors and practice basketball."
Chris Friedman

"Sleep in and watch cartoons."
Rene Smith

We hope everyone has a terrific weekend, long or not.

Christmas Cards and Holiday Show!

Here is a sample of the artwork available on the Hope University line of Christmas and Holiday cards available for purchase now. They are packaged in sets of of 3 for $5.00 or by the each $2.00. The cards are printed on white high quality card stock, you can let us choose the design for you or you can choose your favorite Hope U artists' work. The Santa was drawn my Sharon M. the Christmas Tree was painted by Christina C. and the Angel was painted by Jim L. They are beautiful, unique and show you care this holiday season. Hope University calendars are also available and make great gifts! Follow the Hope U students through a year of fun and inspiration with this delightfully designed calendar. What a deal at $10.00 each! Visit us at www.hopeu.com and send us an email, or leave a comment on this blog with your email address (we will not publish it).
Our annual Holiday show is December 5th at the Sisters of St. Joseph Auditorium in Santa Ana. This show is not to be missed!