Cheri Martin and Alex DeLange are combining not only their talents, but also their enthusiasm for helping abused and neglected children, to make the Place of Hope/Villages of Hope third annual Hope Ball a success. The event co-chairs are working to plan the event, which will be held Feb. 6, 2009 at The Breakers Palm Beach.

The Ball will revolve around the spirit of hope for the lives of local abused and neglected children. Taking place in the resort’s Venetian and Mediterranean Rooms, the event will feature a silent auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing to live music. At least 350 guests are expected to attend.

Funds raised allow Place of Hope and Villages of Hope to provide a quality life experience for the children/young adults in their residences and to impact the lives of hundreds of children and teens in Palm Beach County.

Martin, a Jupiter resident, became involved with Place of Hope along with her husband, Gordon, when they moved to the area from New York City in 2006. They wanted to help make a difference in local children’s lives, and once they discovered Place of Hope, they immediately became involved by mentoring, volunteering and donating.

Martin and her husband have mentored two children from Place of Hope – one age 10 and the other 13 – for 1 ˝ years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for both Place of Hope and Villages of Hope. The Martins are also playing an integral part in the creation of the new Seven Stars Emergency Shelter at Place of Hope.

“I decided to co-chair the Ball because it’s not only a wonderful way to celebrate the lives of these amazing children and young adults, but it also provides much-needed funds to help support the ongoing programs that are vital to the continued success of Place of Hope and Villages of Hope,” Martin said. “Our goal is to exceed the funds raised from last year’s successful event.”   

For the past 20 years, Martin has worked closely with autistic children and has enjoyed supporting and developing children’s organizations and programs.

In addition to her own two children, Stuart, 24 and Maggie, 21; she has two stepchildren, Andrew, 30 and Michelle, 25, and three step-grandchildren. 

Tequesta resident DeLange became involved with Place of Hope and Villages of Hope two years ago, when she learned about the faith-based organization through Christ Fellowship Church. Since then, she has largely been involved with Villages of Hope, where she helps with the interior decoration of the condominiums, collects furniture and necessary items, and participates in landscape improvement and cleaning. Also, as part of a series of workshops offered to the young adults at Villages of Hope, she and her husband, Greg, recently spoke about how to retain a job.

DeLange, who has been a respite foster care provider, has also been involved in many church- and community-based outreach events and programs since she was a child. She recently became involved with international aid missions.

“I really believe in the programs at Place of Hope and Villages of Hope,” said DeLange. “I feel that co-chairing the Ball is just one way in which I am doing my part to help and protect these wonderful children and teens and to give them bright futures.”

DeLange and her husband’s three children, Nicole, 15; Christopher, 13; and Danielle, 12; also volunteer at Villages of Hope.

Ticket prices for the 2009 Hope Ball are $500 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For further information, please call Amy Paul at (561) 775.7195.