Patrick and Denise have attended and helped plan and host multiple charity events, and this year the cousins are hosting a Hope for the Holidays event to benefit The Hope Center at Pullen. The event will be held December 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“We like to give back to the community and we love charity events, especially during the season of giving,” Denise said. “Hope for the Holidays gives our guests a chance to dress up and have fun while benefitting a great cause.”

Denise and Patrick began attending Pullen Church earlier this year and had noticed some advertisements for The Hope Center at Pullen, which was located right next door to the church. As they began discussing the idea of co-hosting a fundraising event with eight of their friends, they decided that they wanted to support The Hope Center at Pullen.

“Most organizations focus on young kids, so the fact that The Hope Center at Pullen gives so much attention to the teenage population is very special,” Patrick said. “I had a difficult upbringing at times, so I can relate to what some of these kids are going through and I think that the skills that The Hope Center provides them with are invaluable.”

Since each of the 10 co-hosts has different connections in the community, more than 250 people have been invited to Hope for the Holidays. Unlike traditional fundraising events, the tickets were free, and Denise and Patrick are encouraging those invited to come to the event, learn more about The Hope Center at Pullen, and make donations in person or sign-up to volunteer.

Denise and Patrick have made sure to publicize The Hope Center at Pullen as much as possible leading up to Hope for the Holidays. They have also included The Hope Center’s mission statement and color scheme as well as a testimonial from a program participant in their advertisements and invitations for the event. Even though this year’s event hasn’t happened yet, the two are already thinking about what they could do for next year as well.

“Being from a big, supportive family, it’s hard to imagine not having the type of support that I had growing up,” Denise said. “We really want to do everything that we can to help this organization and these teenagers.”

With Hope for the Holidays, Denise and Patrick are aiming to use their resources and connections in the community to raise awareness and support for The Hope Center at Pullen so that it can continue to serve youth aging out of foster care in Wake County.