The most memorable moments at Beauty, Bubbles & Bites happened around tables throughout the room, where women paused to write messages inside children’s books.
Some wrote about courage. Others wrote about dreams. Many offered words of encouragement to a child they may never meet.
Those handwritten notes became one of the defining moments of Hope through Housing Foundation’s seventh annual Beauty, Bubbles & Bites on June 11, transforming a simple book donation into something far more personal.
Inspired by the theme Leading Ladies, the evening brought together more than 200 Women of Hope members, community leaders, business owners and supporters for a celebration of generosity, community and opportunity. Set against a backdrop of vintage Hollywood glamour and 1940s film noir style, The evening celebrated women who have dedicated themselves to sharing their successes with a new generation, helping to strengthen their communities and create brighter futures for children and families.
It was also a reflection of Hope through Housing Foundation’s 2026 theme, Never Alone.
For seven years, Women of Hope has embodied that message. What began as a group of women united by a shared purpose has grown into a powerful network that has generated more than $600,000 to support Hope through Housing’s Building Bright Futures program.
Through after-school enrichment, literacy initiatives, scholarships and family support services, those investments help children build confidence, strengthen academic skills and pursue their dreams.
“What I love most about Women of Hope is that it has become about so much more than fundraising,” said Alyssa Cotter, executive director of Hope through Housing Foundation. “It’s about women supporting each other and supporting the next generation.”
That commitment was on full display during the launch of Bring a Book, Share a Dream, a new literacy initiative designed to place books and messages of encouragement into the hands of young readers.
Women of Hope founder Kellie Burum officially launched the campaign with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. By the end of the evening, more than 80 books had been donated.
“Your book is not simply a donation,” Burum told attendees. “It will be placed in the hands of a child who will read your words and know that someone believes in them.”
The initiative reflects a belief shared by everyone in the room: literacy creates opportunity. A book can inspire imagination, build confidence and help a child discover new possibilities.
Bookcases will become a regular feature of Women of Hope and National CORE events going forward, emphasizing the importance of literacy as a foundational tool in the battle against poverty.
The evening also highlighted the many partnerships that help make Hope through Housing’s work possible.
Daniel and Kelly Decker, owners of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Rancho Cucamonga, presented a donation from the store’s annual PJ Day fundraiser, which benefits Hope through Housing programs and has become a favorite tradition among local supporters.
Guests explored a marketplace featuring women-owned businesses and community vendors while connecting with fellow supporters who share a passion for giving back.
Among the highlights were Gracie Soaps, created by a Hope through Housing youth program participant, and Handbags Hooked by Heaven, featuring handcrafted crochet bags made by members of the Crochet Youth Club at Sunset Heights affordable housing community.
For Stephanie Joseph, who leads Hope through Housing’s after-school program at Sunset Heights, those opportunities matter.
“It’s an amazing organization,” Joseph said. “The women invest in the lives of the kids. They provide scholarships, backpacks and opportunities that help children succeed.”
The evening also welcomed actress Gabrielle Walsh and members of the Empire Strykers, who joined supporters in celebrating the impact of education and community connection.
“It’s a beautiful thing to connect and have a community and feel supported,” said Walsh, who emceed Hope through Housing’s 2025 Gala and recently created and led a compelling empowerment program for single mothers served by the foundation. “We want to be a part of that support.”
As the evening came to a close, guests left with memories of a glamorous night inspired by Hollywood’s golden age.
More importantly, they left knowing they had helped write the next chapter for a child.
Soon, a young reader will open one of the books donated that evening and discover a message waiting inside. A few handwritten words. A reminder that they matter. Proof that someone believes in them.
And a powerful message that extends far beyond the pages of a book: They are never alone.