Event | HofH of the Pee Dee

Evening of Hope 2025

March 10, 2025 - 6:30pm

BIO:

NFL Hall Of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly exemplifies what toughness is all about. From a young boy in the small town of East Brady, PA to his days as a star quarterback in the National Football League, Jim has shown courage to overcome every obstacle he has faced.

He led the way for other quarterbacks at Miami University – what became known as “Quarterback U”. Others who followed in his footsteps: Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde and Steve Walsh. From Miami, Jim Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and established himself as one of the all-time greatest quarterbacks to play the game.

In August of 2002, he was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame, ranking eighth in NFL history in passing efficiency. He is 12th in career completions, 12th in passing yards and 16th in touchdowns. He holds virtually every Bills passing record. Only 51 of the 216 men in the hall made it in the first year of eligibility and Jim Kelly did so with his arm and his courage to lead.

But nothing could prepare Jim and his wife, Jill for the battle that they would face a few months after Jim’s retirement in January of 1997.

At six months old, their son Hunter was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, Krabbe Disease (Globoid-Cell Leukodystrophy). Doctors did not expect Hunter to live past the age of two but through love, support, and courage, Hunter surpassed expectations and celebrated eight years of life. Hunter passed away in August of 2005. In 1997, Hunter’s Hope was established by Jim and his wife Jill in honor of their son. To date, the foundation has awarded over $14 million to Leukodystrophy and other neurological disease related research.

Through it all, Jim Kelly and his family have prevailed. Their story is one of True Courage.

Upcoming Events

This years Evening of Hope will feature NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. On Monday March 10, 2025 we will have the opportunity to hear how Jim’s life was changed through the loss of his son, and how God is using him now. Sponsorships are available and individual tickets will go on sale in the Fall. For more information contact Julie Maxham at jmaxham@hofh.org

Previous Events

2024 Evening of Laughter

This years Evening of Hope features Jeff Foxworthy, American comedian, actor, gameshow host, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and Difference Maker. on Monday, March 11th. Limited Tickets, Sponsorships and Tables available. General admission tickets available on Ticketmaster | Venue The Florence Center.

For more information contact Julie Maxham – jmaxham@hofh.org or Jon Weiss Jr. – jweiss@hofh.org

2023 Hope Invitational

72 Top amateur golfers compete in a round of golf with a 3 hole elimination shoot-out to determine the winner of The Hope Invitational Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 21st. Invitations will be in the mail on July 15th & RSVP is required | Venue to be announced. For more information contact Jon Weiss Jr. – jweiss@hofh.org

Hope Invitational Tournament Recap:
We had some amazing golf and beautiful weather!

Gross Shootout Participants:
1st Place- 68 JT Duke Bank of Clarendon
T-2nd Place- 69 John Schaffer representing Field Fastener
T-2nd Place- 69 Jamie Stanley representing Hope Health

Net Shootout Participants:
1st Place- 65 Jon Weiss Sr. – Adams Outdoor
2nd Place- 66 Curtis Jacobs – Pepsi of Florence
3rd Place- 67 Kevin Medlin representing Butler’s Fine Men’s Clothing

The Shootout was a three hole battle on 18 to a back right pin. Jamie Stanley made a 10 foot putt for birdie to win the Hope Invitational.
Thank you for all of our sponsors and participants.

Game of Hope 2023

Are you ready for some baseball action? Don’t miss the Game of Hope between the Florence Flamingos and the Wilmington Sharks on Thursday, July 13th at 7 pm at the Carolina Bank Field located adjacent to the Dr. Eddie Floyd Tennis Center at 1200 Jennie O’Bryan Avenue in Florence. Come and cheer the Flamingos to victory and support a good cause. Ticket includes free hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks even a hat!. Bryan Braddock will be throwing out the first pitch. Make sure to buy these tickets from the link provided below. $5 from each ticket will go to the House of Hope to serve the needs of men, women and children facing homelessness. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! Get your tickets HERE and join us for a fun-filled night of baseball and Hope!

Evening of Hope 2023

Dr. Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon and HUD secretary, was the guest speaker at the Evening of Hope event hosted by the House of Hope on March 6, 2023 at the Florence Center in South Carolina. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for the House of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and services for homeless people in the Pee Dee region. Dr. Carson shared his inspiring life story and his vision for solving the housing crisis in America. He also praised the House of Hope for their work and encouraged the attendees to support their cause.

Houses Fore Hope

In June, the House of Hope, along with Community Broadcasters will be hosting an annual Golf Tournament to raise money to help with our tiny homes program in HOPE Village. If you’d like to participate please call Julie Maxham at 843-667-9000 or email at

jmaxham@hofh.org