Nominations Are Open for the Hope Award

The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the Hope Award, presented each year to an individual, family, or organization whose service and generosity have made a lasting difference in our community.

This year carries special meaning. The Hope Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Hope Award will be presented at our milestone 15th Annual Wine for Hope Gala on Friday, April 9, 2027, at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield, Ohio.

Deryck Toles, a 2019 Hope Award honoree
Deryck Toles a past HOPE Award honoree
Bernadette Bilick a past HOPE Award Recipient

Why the Hope Award Matters

For two decades, the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley has relied on the generosity of neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses to support families throughout our region. The Hope Award exists to recognize that generosity, to say thank you to the people who give their time, resources, and heart to make the Mahoning Valley a better place to live.

Past honorees have included community volunteers, longtime donors, and local organizations whose work embodies what the Hope Foundation stands for: showing up for one another, especially when it matters most.

Who Can Be Nominated

Nominations are open to anyone who has made a meaningful, lasting contribution to the Mahoning Valley community, whether through volunteer work, philanthropic leadership, or simply years of quiet dedication to helping others. Individuals, families are all eligible.

How to Submit a Nomination

Submitting a nomination is simple and free:

  1. Visit hopemv.org/wine
  2. Share the name of your nominee and why you believe they deserve recognition
  3. Submit before the deadline

Nominations must be received by Thursday, December 31, 2026.

The Hope Award recipient will be announced and celebrated live at Wine for Hope 2027, alongside a night of dinner, wine tasting, auction items, honorees and community celebration marking the Foundation’s 20th anniversary.

About Wine for Hope 2027

Wine for Hope is the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley’s signature annual fundraising gala. Now in its 15th year, the event brings together the community for an evening of wine tasting, dinner, a live auction, and the 50/50 raffle — all in support of the Foundation’s mission. Learn more and reserve your seat »

Nominate Someone Today

If you know someone whose generosity has shaped our community, a volunteer, a mentor, a local business owner, a friend who always shows up, we’d love to hear about them.

Submit your nomination at hopemv.org/wine »

Nominations close December 31, 2026.

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