10.05.2017
On Saturday, September 30, 2017, Harwood International hosted the first annual Hope Fest: Live from Harwood at Happiest Hour to support three nonprofit organizations: Cornerstone Achievement Center, Love Like You Mean It, and Connecting Point of Park Cities. Through the generosity of 30 sponsors along with more than 500 guests and donors, Hope Fest raised over $230,000 in its inaugural year. Proceeds will be used to support the unique initiatives of each organization, which includes funding education, advocacy, and support initiatives for individuals with special needs in addition to efforts to eradicate the trafficking of young girls and women in India.
When Happiest Hour opened doors at 3 p.m., guests made donations to win one of the many impressive raffle items including diamond jewelry and autographed sports memorabilia from top athletes like Roger Federer and Emmitt Smith. Enjoying special bites and new menu features from Happiest Hour, guests continued to mingle until event chairs Katelyn and Oliver Barbier-Mueller took the stage for welcoming remarks and an introduction of the first act, Michael Lee & The Wartime Limousines. The Barbier-Mueller family founded the global real estate firm Harwood International and is developing the Harwood District, a growing 18-city block neighborhood featuring residential and commercial property as well as seven restaurant concepts and a museum.
As the night progressed, Cas Haley, the 2007 runner-up on “America’s Got Talent,” took the stage to perform hit songs for the Hope Fest crowd. Next up was the headlining act Josh Weathers, a local Fort Worth artist and founder of the charity Love Like You Mean It. Weathers captivated the audience with his bluesy, soulful voice and plenty of skillful musical showmanship.
Among those supporting Hope Fest were host committee members including: Katherine Helms; Katlin and Zach James; Laura Reeder; Skyler and Robbie Baty; Meghan Looney; Stefanie and Michael Prentiss; and more. As members of the executive host committee, Barbier-Mueller family members were in attendance: Gabriel Barbier-Mueller; Niña and Trevor Tollett; and, Alexis and Bridget Barbier-Mueller.
About Cornerstone Achievement Center:
Cornerstone Achievement Center was created to provide individualized and group educational services in a nurturing, supportive, and faith-based environment. With a team-oriented focus, Cornerstone gathers input from parents, teachers, previous testing, and assessment tools to help design the best possible curriculum.
About Love Like You Mean It:
Love Like You Mean It was created by Josh and Kady Weathers after a family trip to India where they witnessed children in extreme depravity. The organization seeks to change the treatment of young girls and women in India who are cast into trafficking.
About Connecting Point of Park Cities
Connecting Point of Park Cities is an organization that provides impactful day programs for adults with special needs while integrating individuals with disabilities into the Texas communities.