2024 Vince Carter Charity Gala

Summer Knowles, an award-winning journalist currently serving as an evening news anchor at WESH 2 News, our outstanding mistress of ceremonies for the second year, kicked off the 25 th Vince Carter Charity Gala on June 29, 2024 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. This year, tribute was paid to Mr. Vince Carter, inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as two exemplary women of Volusia County, Danielle Garrett and Charlene Greer. They received the Embassy of Hope Foundation’s Hall of Fame recognition for their outstanding work in the community and in their respective careers.

“This gala is one of my favorite fundraising events,” said Carter. “It is an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy themselves and help us raise money for local programs within our community.” The gala, a semi-formal affair, included entertainment by KTG, plenty of food, recognition of the foundation’s scholarship winners, and lots of fun. There was a silent auction of numerous gift baskets donated by friends and members of the Embassy of Hope Board of Directors, as well as exquisite jewelry available for purchase from J’aime Bijoux LLC, wholesale private jeweler Jaime Yeomans.

In addition to the dancing, auctions, and camaraderie  This year a new feature was added, “Ask the Carters”.  Guests asked random questions that were answered by Vince Carter and his mother, Michelle Carter. One exchange stood out with Vince talking to a college student about working hard and setting goals. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said one of the gala attendees.

Proceeds benefit children and family programs and the Embassy of Hope “Believing in Your Dreams” Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 1998, Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation has donated over 2 million dollars in the United States and Canada.