Hope-A-Palooza is always a special event for the staff and supporters of SOS Inc. But Friday’s event was extra special as it was celebrating far more than just the past year of service to the surrounding community; it was also acknowledging the last half-century of commitment to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect.
2026 is the 50th anniversary, also known as the Golden anniversary, of the local advocacy agency and as such, SOS welcomed many of the most influential individuals from its past back for Friday night’s event inside the Granada Theatre. This included many of the “Founding Mothers” and “Legacy Volunteers” who began the work that SOS has become known for back in 1976.
This included Paula Hurt, who spoke with KVOE News and retraced the steps that led to Friday’s celebration. Hurt explains that when SOS began, originally as an affiliate of the National Organization for Women (NOW), it was at a time when domestic violence and sexual assault were still considered, to many, a taboo and almost non-existent issue.
Hurt said we have come so far since the 1970s both locally and nationally and explained that it all started with groups like SOS standing up and saying “No more.”
Attendees were able to witness pieces of the origin story through a series of snippets of the recently commissioned documentary SOS: A Diamond in the Flint Hills. SOS Executive Director Mickey Edwards noted that when SOS began, all of the founders and volunteers were just that, volunteers, as there was no paid staff or variety of programs that we know today.
She says to be able to put a spotlight on all of these individuals who gave of their time and their hearts was a very special and proud moment.
When asked about her feelings on seeing how far the agency has come in 50 years, Hurt says the work they do is astounding, but the community support and recognition of that work is just as impressive.
In addition to honoring the organization’s roots, SOS also paid tribute to its annual list of award winners, which were as follows:
Agency Partner of the Year: ESB Financial
Volunteer of the Year: Bev Kerbs
CASA Volunteer of the Year: Dee Schwinn
Donor of the Year: Roger Heineken
Legacy Award: Altrusa Club of Emporia
Following a live and silent auction, the evening concluded with a performance by world-renowned magician Ran’D Shine, who was making a return appearance to Hope-A-Palooza after serving as the entertainment for last year’s event as well.
All proceeds from Hope-A-Palooza will be used to benefit SOS’ various programs and “fill the gaps” not covered by traditional grant dollars.
Fundraising totals are currently pending.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News.
