Second Annual Goodness Gala Set for September 19 to Benefit New Hope for Kids

Orlando, FL – 8/24/2026

Central Florida event and hospitality community comes together to support children and families navigating grief and life-threatening illness

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Goodness Gala will return for its second annual event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Balcony Orlando, bringing together Central Florida’s event and hospitality community for an evening dedicated to supporting New Hope for Kids.

The Goodness Gala is an annual “Gala Giveaway” created to ensure that the resources generated by a major fundraising event can make the greatest possible impact on the organization it supports. Through the generosity of participating venues, event professionals, vendors and community partners, the major components of the Gala are donated in-kind, allowing the beneficiary to direct more of the funds raised toward its mission rather than the cost of producing the event.

New Hope for Kids was selected as the 2026 beneficiary following an application and finalist process that brought some of Central Florida’s most impactful nonprofit organizations before the Goodness Gala Board. During the finalist presentations in January, New Hope for Kids CEO Brian Clark shared a heartfelt account of the organization’s work and the children and families it serves.

Since that selection, the relationship between the Goodness Gala team and New Hope for Kids has grown far beyond planning a single fundraising event.

“One of the best parts of this entire experience has been getting to know the people behind New Hope for Kids and seeing their mission firsthand,” said Sean Hughes, Founder and Executive Director of the Goodness Gala. “Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer during one of their summer programs, and seeing these children laughing, connecting and simply getting the opportunity to be kids was incredibly powerful. The impact New Hope has on children and families going through extraordinarily difficult circumstances is something you really have to experience to fully appreciate.”

For more than three decades, New Hope for Kids has served Central Florida children and families through programs focused on grief support and granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Its programs provide children with a supportive environment to process loss, build connections and find hope while helping families navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

The September 19 event is expected to be sold out, but the community can still participate in the impact even without attending the Gala. Those interested in supporting New Hope for Kids can make a direct donation or participate in the Gala’s 50/50 raffle, with proceeds supporting the organization’s continued work with children and families.

To donate or participate in the 50/50 raffle, visit NewHopeForKids.org/donate.

About The Goodness Gala

The Goodness Gala was created by leaders within Central Florida’s event and hospitality industry as a collaborative approach to charitable giving. Each year, a local nonprofit is selected to receive a professionally produced fundraising gala supported through donated and in-kind services from participating industry partners. By reducing the traditional costs associated with producing a major fundraising event, the initiative is designed to help the selected organization maximize both the financial and community impact of the Gala.

The inaugural Goodness Gala in 2025 benefited NextStep Orlando. New Hope for Kids was selected as the beneficiary of the second annual Gala in 2026.

The 2026 Goodness Gala benefiting New Hope for Kids will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Balcony Orlando.

For more information about the Goodness Gala, visit GoodnessGala.org.