Annual HOPe gala to benefit people with disabilities

When Paula Kavolius sought programming for her developmentally disabled son, she couldn’t find any. So armed with passion and determination, she corralled friends and acquaintances, raised funds, and created House of Possibilities (HOPe), a home-like setting on the grounds of Stonehill College in Easton. Since 2009, HOPe has been providing top quality care and exceptional programming to children and adults with developmental challenges.

Canton resident Kristen DeSisto is the director of children’s programs at HOPe.

One of Kavolius’ early supporters was Canton’s Don Rodman. “When Paula came to me with her idea, I thought she could never make it happen,” said Rodman, founder and owner of Rodman Ford. “But she is a rare breed; she has determination and a passion to help those less fortunate. Her House of Possibilities now provides services that are not available any place else.”

Rodman is still a staunch supporter. On June 23, House of Possibilities will hold its annual gala at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Tickets are $150 per person, and proceeds will be matched 5 percent by Rodman Ride for Kids, of which Rodman is president.

More than 1,000 children and 3,000 extended family members in 75 communities have been served by HOPe, which offers critically needed support and a space where all can work towards achieving their highest potential. It is the only place of its kind in Massachusetts.

HOPe’s hallmark program is Overnight Respite (ONR), which gives caregivers much-needed respite while their children and young adults (ages 8-21) enjoy a Saturday overnight with their friends. ONR is free of charge to families.

HOPe offers integrated programs of activities and therapies on weekdays for adults and a variety of social programs on the weekends for children. HOPe programs bring clients into the larger community for skill building, integration and recreational opportunities.

One of HOPe’s community partners is St. Gerard Majella Parish in Canton. Its youth group members volunteer at HOPe and participate in its social programs and day habilitation programs for adults and teens.

Kavolius, now president of HOPe, emphasizes that these programs are not self-sustaining and that HOPe needs additional support to enable it to carry out its mission and continue to build its community of hope.

Kavolius will be co-chairing the June 23 Endless Possibilities Gala. Hosted by Fox 25 Morning News anchor Gene Lavanchy, the gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and silent and live auctions. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Ronan Tynan, world-renowned Irish tenor, physician, recording artist and paralympian.

All proceeds will go toward HOPe’s programming to foster the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of each person who comes through its doors.

For more information on House of Possibilities, go to www.houseofpossibilities.org. For gala information, contact Karen Santo at 508-205-0555 or k.santo@houseofpossibilities.org.

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