Supporters of mental health care for youth and families turned out in force for the annual Gourmet Comfort Classic fundraiser for HopeSpoke (www.hopespoke.org), donating more than $92,000 to support the agency’s mission to “inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services.”

The theme of The Best Southern Comfort Food brought out the best in the six competing chefs from Billy’s, ChefAuChef, Chez Hay, Doorstep Diner, Mary Ellen’s, and Venue. Venue won the crowd’s vote and the $500 prize for BBQ Shrimp and Grits with Pork Belly Burnt Ends.

HopeSpoke is grateful for support from these event sponsors: Benefactor Sponsor, Chateau Development; Visionary Sponsors ABC Electric, Servicemaster, and Union Bank & Trust; Champion Sponsor, Healthy Blue; and Advocacy Sponsors ALLO, Ameritas, Regan Anson, Assurity, Brester Construction, Bryan Health, Cline Williams Wright Johnson and Oldfather, Complete Children’s Health, Korby Gilbertson Munger, KidGlov, the McLeese family, the McLeese Stephenson family, Molina Healthcare, Nebraska Total Care, Pinnacle Bank, Megan and Curt Ruwe, Sinclair Hille, and UNICO Group.

HopeSpoke honored retired Lancaster County Juvenile Court Judges Linda Porter and Toni Thorson Sampson with the Leaders in Mental Health Award, and Al Rouse as Volunteer of the Year.
HopeSpoke helps vulnerable children and families in need of behavioral and mental health treatment. For more information about HopeSpoke or to support these services, visit www.hopespoke.org. To learn about next year’s Gourmet Comfort Classic, contact Becki Roberts at broberts@hopespoke.org.