Hope’s Gate is hosting its annual Hope under the Stars Saturday Oct. 11 in Olde City Park. Sponsorships are still available and tickets are on sale now. File art

Olde City Park will once again be transformed into an elegant dining venue as Hope’s Gate hosts its sixth annual “Hope Under the Stars” gala Saturday, Oct. 11, welcoming guests for an evening of international flavors and global impact.

The Wylie-based nonprofit, founded by Patty Bauman, works to protect and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable — orphans, victims of human trafficking and children living on the streets. Since its founding, Hope’s Gate has supported artisan training in India, Uganda and Thailand, while also awarding scholarships locally through a partnership with the Wylie Education Foundation.

This year’s gala will highlight that commitment with an international theme, reflecting the countries Hope’s Gate serves. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner created by chefs representing different regions of the world. Burak Ozcan, co-owner and head chef of Ferah Catering and Events, will focus on Latin-inspired dishes. Jana Sohail of Zaika Eats will serve an appetizer course representing India. Chef S, owner of Rosemary, Thyme and Sage Gourmet Eatz, will prepare an African-inspired main course, followed by a baklava-inspired dessert.

In addition to dinner, attendees will be treated to interactive experiences before the meal, including chai tastings, henna tattoos and a specialty Ugandan drink. “It will be almost like little booths where they can experience something from that region while people are checking in,” said Kendra Medina, Hope’s Gate administrator.

The evening will also feature special guests — two longtime Indian partners of Hope’s Gate who are traveling to the United States for the first time.

Funds raised from ticket sales and sponsorships will go directly to the organization’s education fund, which began in 2017. To date, 30 students have graduated with college degrees or professional certificates, while 20 are currently in school. Four scholarships have also been awarded to Wylie ISD students since 2024.

At last year’s gala, Bauman explained why education became central to Hope’s Gate’s mission. She said an estimated 18 million children live on the streets worldwide, often forced to beg or scavenge for food. Initially, rescued girls were taught to make jewelry to help support themselves once they turned 18, but Bauman said that wasn’t enough. “Once again, they would be just as at risk as they were at five years old,” she told supporters. To break the cycle, the nonprofit committed to providing educational scholarships and career training.

Hope’s Gate is currently supporting students studying nursing, information technology, commerce, tourism and pharmacy, among other fields. One student in Uganda recently graduated with a pharmacy degree. Education costs range from $800 to $3,000 per student per year, depending on tuition, room and board. Medina said a full education averages $8,000 to $10,000.

“The impact is life changing,” Medina said. “We are continuing to support college students around the world and locally through Wylie ISD. We have six students on our waiting list right now, which is more than we’ve ever had at once.”

To make this year’s event a success, Medina said the nonprofit still needs both sponsors and ticket buyers because “having that support would help us do even more.” 

A title sponsorship is available for $3,500, while gold-level sponsorships are $2,500. Individual tickets are also on sale now, with proceeds benefiting Hope’s Gate programs. Guests can purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities at hopesgates.org.

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