Sparkle of Hope Annual Dinner Auction

will host its Sparkle of Hope Annual Dinner Auction on Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. 

The annual charity event benefits the nonprofit organization’s residential programs, which serve 320 individuals a day recovering from mental illness and substance abuse.  Community Hope is the largest charity in New Jersey serving homeless and needy veterans and their families and is developing a 62-unit “veterans’ village” at the Lyons VA campus in Bernards Township.

The fundraising event begins at 6 p.m. with an auction preview and cocktail reception, followed at 7 p.m. by dinner and an awards program. 

Lonnel Coats, President and CEO of Eisai Inc, the 2012 Honorary Chair, announced the honorees will be Mark Altmeyer, President and CEO of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical and Bruce Kuhlik, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Merck.

The Sparkle of Hope Dinner was founded in 1997 by pharmaceutical leader Fred Hassan, Chairman of
Bausch + Lomb and Partner, Warburg Pincus. He sought to expand on the gains which the healthcare
industry had made in improving treatment for individuals with mental illness by helping ensure sufficient
community-based housing and services. In the past sixteen years, the Sparkle of Hope has brought together
the pharmaceutical and biotech industries’ leaders in support of a common cause. The event has raised
more than $5.5 million to provide housing and essential support services for veterans and other individuals
struggling with mental illness.

Gala activities include a raffle drawing for vacation packages; a 50/50 cash raffle and a silent auction
featuring original artwork and autographed sports memorabilia. In addition, guests can participate in a
raffle for chances to win nearly 50 other prizes.

For more information on the Sparkle of Hope Dinner Auction, visit the events section of Community
Hope’s website  or call the Development Office at 973-463-9600 ext. 308. Individual tickets are $145 per person and table prices for event sponsors range from
$2,500 to $25,000.