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From a field of seven nominees, members of the Hancock Chamber elected two, in a historic vote during a historic year, as Nonprofits of the Century.  The award will be presented to Hancock Resource Center and Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center during the 100th Anniversary Awards Gala of the Hancock Chamber on Thursday, August 28th at 5:30pm at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.

“We are very proud to be able to honor these two nonprofits, their volunteer boards and professional staff with this award to recognize the extraordinary work of two local organizations that make a lasting impact in our community,” said Ray Wesson, president of the Hancock County Community Development Foundation.

The Hancock Resource Center, under the direction of Rhonda Rhodes as CEO, works to stabilize families and strengthen the community. The mission of the organization is accomplished by addressing obstacles and barriers to housing and coordinating services for families in need. For more about the programs they support, go to www.hancockhrc.org.

Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center is led by Jennifer Boehm as executive director. This nonprofit offers a safe, supportive space for children who are victims of abuse by beginning the healing process through compassionate care and advocacy. Hope Haven is the only child advocacy center serving the needs of children and families in Hancock and Pearl River counties. For more, go to www.hopehavencac.org.

Other deserving nominees for this award were: Diamondhead School of Fine Arts, Diamondhead Women’s Club, Excel by 5, the Hancock Health Foundation, and the Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County.

The Annual Chamber Awards Gala is where these two organizations will be honored as for a night like no other as the Chamber celebrates 100 years of success. Founded by the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club in 1925, the Chamber will also name the Rotary Club of Bay St. Louis as Nonprofit of the Century. Members of the Chamber and Rotary have given thousands of volunteer hours, contributed generously to the community through local causes, and fostered civic leadership and ethical business practices among generations of community members.

Guests are invited to dress to impress in gold and red and walk the red carpet as we also honor the Top Ten Outstanding Citizens, Industry of the Year and the Businesses of the Year. Get ready to dance the night away to the sounds of Hancock County’s favorite band…Foret Tradition. No long speeches, no videos, just a night filled with celebration, connection, and fun.

Evening Schedule:

  • 5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception & Buffet Supper
  • 6:30 PM – Parade of Honorees: Celebrate our businesses, nonprofits, and citizens as we roll out the red carpet for their contributions
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM – The Parade After Glow with Dancing and Entertainment by Foret Tradition
  • After 10:00 PM – Keep the party going on the new Hollywood HOLLYDECK!

Silent Auction with a Big Impact
Guests will also be able to bid digitally before, during, and after the event in the Silent Auction, featuring exclusive items donated by Chamber members. Proceeds benefit 20 community causes through the Hancock County Community Development Foundation. The auction will open Friday, August 15 and close Monday, September 1, 2025.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Co-Presenting: Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, Hancock Whitney Bank, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.

Platinum Sponsors: Butler Snow LLP, Chiniche Engineering and Surveying, City of Diamondhead, Coast Electric Power Association, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, Leo Seal Family Foundation, Mississippi Power Company, Ochsner Health, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District, The Longo Group.

Gold Sponsors: Ashman Mollere Realty Inc., Buoys Bar, Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, Coastal Environmental Services of LA LLC, Community Bank, Diamondhead School of Fine Arts, Hancock Health Foundation, Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center, John McDonald Realty, Keesler Federal Credit Union – Waveland, Lagarde’s Fine Wine and Spirits, Library Foundation of Hancock County, Moss Towing, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., Pearl River Community College – Hancock Center, RE/MAX Coast Delta Realty, Rotary Club of Bay St. Louis, The Peoples Bank.

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