UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us at any and all of these upcoming events, to help us raise awareness of and critical funds for research, facilities and support systems for families and children affected by congenital heart disease. Can’t attend in person? Be there in spirit. You can still support our cause by making a donation instead.

 

 

 

PREVIOUS EVENTS

 

Noah’s Festival of Life

Noah Bella Michaelis is a beautiful, brave and witty six-year-old who exudes resiliency.  Noah was born with a single ventricle and has Heterotaxy Syndrome. Her heart lies on the right side of her chest with all of her organs in reverse, also known as situs inversus. She has endured four open heart surgeries and countless procedures. After Noah’s last surgery in 2009 she had a wish to have a festival with all her friends and family.  Noah’s wish was granted and in 2009 her parents, Keith and Cecile Micahelis, had their first Festival and named it, “Noah’s Festival of Life.”  Because of the amount of support the family received, they decided to make the Festival an annual event.

 

“After Noah’s year long struggle and seeing so many other children go through such difficult surgeries, it seemed instinctual for us to give back to the heart community.” Keith and Cecile

 

When planning for the second Festival, Keith and Cecile decided to make the Festival a fundraiser.  They reached out to us in April of 2010 to see if Hopeful Hearts would be willing to be the recipient of this great event. We were extremely honored and were very excited to be involved with such a wonderful family and event.

 

On June 26, 2010 The Michaelis family hosted their 2nd Annual “Noah’s Festival of Life” in honor of their daughter Noah Bella, with all proceeds to benefit Hopeful Hearts Foundation.  It was a celebration for Noah’s ongoing recovery, friendships and life. 

 

The Festival included food, drinks, games, entertainment and a silent auction. The yard was filled with vibrant colors, laughter and many smiles. 

 

Highlights of the day included:

 

Live reptile show provided by The Critter Squad. Master balloon artist, O’Ryan DelToro was on hand creating whimsical balloon sculptures, and magician Joe Skilton entertained the crowd with some incredible magic.

 

There were many gathered around the “get well table,” writing get well cards to children who are currently in the hospital, in hopes of lifting their spirits.

 

Lastly, Noah wanted to contribute in her own special way.  With the help of her Uncle Dave, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Armida they put together an amazing Lemonade stand with tips being given to Hopeful Hearts. Noah, along with her friends and cousin, raised over $100 in tips!

 

Hopeful Hearts and The Michaelis family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of those who participated in putting the event together as well as those who helped during the event.  Also, a special thanks to all who acquired and contributed their time and gifts to support the event.  It could of not been possible without you. 

 

When The Michaelis family set their fundraising goal, they had no idea they would not only reach their goal, but exceed it.   With the generosity and willingness to help many families affected by CHD the event raised over $9,000!

 

A heartfelt thanks to the Michaelis Family and all those involved for your time, dedication and passion for helping others, we are forever grateful.

 

Much Love,
Adam & Terra Chez
Hopeful Hearts Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Night to Remember
On November 8, 2008 Hopeful Hearts held our first annual gala at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach, California. The evening included a silent auction, live auction, dinner, live entertainment and guest speakers. Over 275 guests came to show their support and certainly helped to create "A Night to Remember."
 
Auctioneer Jim Nye brought excitement to the event with his expertise and witty sense of humor.
 
Guest speaker Dr. Mark Skalansky (Pediatric Cardiologist) spoke on behalf of Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and expressed his compassion for the hospital and for children affected by congenital heart disease. We thank Dr. Skalansky for being a part of the evening and for all of the care he has given to our children.
 
One of the evening’s highlights was thirteen year old speaker Ryan Gates from Orange County, CA. Ryan was born with hypo-plastic right heart syndrome. Although Ryan has been affected by Congenital Heart Disease, he has taken his experience and used it in a positive way to inspire others. We were so proud of Ryan!
 
The evening concluded with a performance by Vocalist Todd Herzog who wrote an amazing song for Hopeful Hearts. The Hopeful Hearts theme song was created in memory of Grace Chez, while honoring Luke Chez and all other children and families affected by congenital heart disease. While Todd performed his solo, a video created by Lisa Poese (Once upon a memory) played photos of all of the brave and courageous children who are battling against congenital heart disease.

The evening would not have been possible without the help of “A Night to Remember” committee members. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in helping the evening exceed our expectations.

 

We would like to extend a special thanks to all of those who contributed donations and those who generously donated gifts to support our inaugural event and cause. The silent and live auction raised over $46,000 and “A Night to Remember” raised over $100,000. We are humbled by all of the support we continue to receive for our cause.

 

Warmest Regards,
Adam & Terra Chez
Hopeful Hearts

 

 

 

Cut-A-Thon

 

On October 19, 2008, Empire Salon in Irvine hosted the inaugural and hugely successful Cut-A-Thon to benefit the Hopeful Hearts Foundation. Over 13 stylists donated their talent and time alongside the Hopeful Hearts volunteers to raise over $4,000 and provide over 100 haircuts. Michelle Bernadou, a children’s paint and body artist, also displayed her talent on the faces of kids and adults who attended the event. And a beautiful lunch spread was provided by good friend and Hopeful Hearts committee member Rochelle Ferranto.

 

We would like to thank everyone who came by to show their support and for all the volunteers who not only helped make this a successful event, but did it with joyful hearts.

 

Thank you again to Empire Salon and all the volunteers who helped make this such a successful event. It was a big day for Hopeful Hearts and everyone involved. We are humbled by the love and support that continues to pour in daily and truly want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.

 

All our best, The Chez Family

Adam, Terra, Luke and Angel Gracie

 

Please be sure to visit the Empire Salon website at empiresalon.net to meet their expertly trained team and read about their array of professional services.