#United States #New York #A Little Hope #Comfort Zone Camp #Night of Hope

The 21st Annual Night of Hope Gala

The 21st Annual Night of Hope Gala, co-hosted by A Little Hope and Comfort Zone Camp, is set to take place in New York City on October 15, 2026. This noble event aims to raise funds to assist children and families grieving the loss of loved ones due to suicide or overdose. This year's gala holds a special significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which inspired the foundation of A Little Hope to help the bereaved children left behind.

All proceeds from the gala will be directed towards funding free camps that cater to families navigating the difficulties of grief. The event serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of such losses and the importance of providing support to those who feel alone in their sorrow.

The Need for Support

Losing a family member, especially to suicide or overdose, introduces unique challenges that are often compounded by feelings of guilt, confusion, and shame. A Little Hope and Comfort Zone Camp have taken up the mantle of providing resources specifically geared towards these families. They organize weekend camps that include one-on-one mentorship, age-specific grief support, and connection opportunities with peers who have gone through similar experiences.

These initiatives create a nurturing environment that allows children and families to process their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build a community of support, diminishing the isolation that often accompanies grief.

Richard Schimel, President and Founding Board Member of A Little Hope, remarked, "As we approach 25 years since 9/11, the tragedy that left many children without their parents continues to influence the work we do. Our organization has flourished into a national foundation, extending support to over 250,000 American children, adolescents, and young adults who have faced similar losses. By collaborating with Comfort Zone Camp, we are able to show families that their grief does not define their futures. Our supporters’ generosity has been crucial in making this possible, ensuring that every family can join our programs at no cost."

Healing Through Community

Lynne B. Hughes, Founder and CEO of Comfort Zone Camp, emphasized the unique grief experienced from suicide and overdose, stating that traditional bereavement resources often fall short in addressing these distinct challenges. She noted, "Our partnership with A Little Hope has enabled us to establish programs where children can express their grief openly, supported by peers who truly understand their journeys. Witnessing the healing of these children and their families is profoundly uplifting."

In the previous year, Comfort Zone Camp provided specialized camps for children affected by suicide and overdose to 124 grieving children and 31 parents and guardians free of charge. The camps included optional programming tailored for parents and guardians, fostering an environment of comprehensive support.

About A Little Hope and Comfort Zone Camp

A Little Hope, Inc. is a non-profit charitable foundation established in 2002 as a response to the trauma following the September 11 attacks. The organization focuses on providing hope and support to grieving children, continually developing innovative programs tailored to their needs. Notably, in 2015, they partnered with Comfort Zone Camp to introduce suicide loss camps, designed to create a safe space for grieving together in a way that promotes healing.

Comfort Zone Camp is a registered non-profit that transforms the lives of children who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Their comprehensive programming is made available at no charge, focusing on confidence-building activities and peer support groups to alleviate the emotional isolation that often accompanies grief. Their camps serve children aged 7-17 and their families throughout different states across the U.S. with their headquarters located in Virginia.

For information regarding sponsorships, tickets, and donations, please visit A Little Hope and Comfort Zone Camp.