An afternoon of fellowship, laughter and generosity brought the community together for the “Harvest of Hope” Extravaganza, a special fundraising event benefiting Expressions of Love.
A sell-out event and the third annual event of its kind was held at All Saints Church Hall on E. Main Street, Bridgeport, on Oct. 4, 2026, welcoming nearly 250 guests.
From the moment guests arrived, the Harvest of Hope Extravaganza created an atmosphere of excitement and fun. Guests were entertained with a performance by the Robert C. Byrd Show Choir, choosing among 70 unique raffle basket gift items, and the excitement of a live auction by Auctioneer Wayne Yoder of Kauffman Auction and Realty services.
WVU Medicine United Hospital Center supported the program as the title sponsor alongside over 50 area businesses and individual contributors. Volunteers donated their time, businesses donated food and prizes, sponsors provided financial support, and community members simply showed up in a big way.
Guests were welcomed by Judy Bonnamico, founder and president of Expressions of Love (EOL) highlighting the history having begun in 2019 as an outgrowth of COVID with a goal from the beginning to provide nourishment for children in our community.
“A special Thank-You to our amazing volunteers who sought out donations, baked, gathered prizes, and sold tickets. So much work happens before the doors ever open,” said Bonnamico.
Guests were also excited for the returning guest emcee, Dr. Mark Povroznik, vice president of quality and safety for WVU Medicine United Hospital Center who kept the afternoon entertaining. “The day was about helping make a meaningful difference…an afternoon to plant seeds of Hope,” he stated.
Povroznik appeared to banjo music dressed as a farmer to support the theme, gifting a wildflower planter labeled “Hope” to each attendee. “Something beautiful is going to happen here today. When you go home, plant your seed box, watch it grow, and reflect on what HOPE looks like”, Povroznik stated.
The event also provided an opportunity for guests to hear about the people whose lives are being touched by EOL. Sheri James, Community Center Director for Kelley Miller, shared what the nutrition efforts alone at Kelly Miller and the summer lunch program has meant to the children, and families they have served. This past summer alone, 1,750 lunches were provided through the Kelly Miller Community Center.
While the final fundraising total was an important measure of success, it is about nourishment, dignity and hope for our neighbors. Organizers emphasized that every dollar represents an opportunity to make a difference and every dollar raised goes directly back to supporting programming in Harrison County.
Efforts are underway by EOL to expand their summer nutrition program into another neighborhood!…adding to the four-county schools whose pantries they stock every month, in addition to powdered milk supplies and meal kits provided monthly to the Mustard Seed and Shepherd’s Corner.
The success of the Harvest of Hope Extravaganza would not have been possible without the support of the community. Together, everyone’s contributions transformed an afternoon of fun into an opportunity to continue helping others.
The event raised more than $52,000 to support the mission of EOL and the growing school and area nutrition programming it serves.
To learn more about Expressions of Love, support its mission or become involved, visit their Facebook page.
