About us
About us
Bands of Hope, a non-profit organization that supports underprivileged single women with children, was founded in 2011 by two friends who dreamed of “giving back” to the community, in a way that was fun and exciting. They used their talent for entertaining and hosting to start a Charity event that would help bring their dream to fruition. Both Gilda Smith and Debra London, mothers and grandmothers, know first-hand the struggle that single mothers have in providing for their children in the most basic of ways. Within eight months of making their dream a bona fide commitment, they hosted their first Charity Christmas Gala in December of 2012. They quickly realized the need to “give back” was important to most of their friends and constituents and they made their commitment “official,” receiving a 501 (c) (3) designation for the Bands of Hope effective May of 2013. Immediately thereafter, a board of directors was installed to provide organized support and direction.
"The Organizations “Annual Charity Gala” benefits our ongoing educational programs, scholarship fund, and a selected non-profit with a platform that supports our mission statement."
The primary mission is to provide a positive impact on disadvantaged children through social services, educational and financial resources. The activities of the Bands of Hope are directed toward empowering youth and their parents to be self- motivated, resourceful and successful. Our fundraising provides for expanded informational and educational programs and workshops for personal growth and financial support to disadvantaged single-parent families and children in a way that improves the individual’s quality of life and promotes self-empowerment.
While Bands of Hope celebrated its twelfth year of operations in May of 2024, it is even more evident that our vision was God given for he has blessed our efforts tremendously. “Our commitment to the community is strong and we are still enjoying the excitement of the Annual Fundraiser Gala where we can share our blessings with those less fortunate and celebrate with supporters during the most sacred time of the year – “the time of giving.” Our signature event of the year is the Annual Teen Summit: #whataboutme which encourages, enlightens, and educates teens ages 13-17 via classes beneficial for their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. We are thankful for the business and professional community, clergy and law enforcement volunteers who give their time and talents as facilitators at this event.