Hearts of Hope 2026
A Celebration of Transformation & Hope
The annual Hearts of Hope luncheon is an inspiring time to celebrate stories of hope and transformation. We will be joined by emcee Amanda Taylor, as well as City Rescue Mission clients sharing their powerful stories and testimonies. We hope you can join us for this inspiring event, and be a part of the new stories of hope that are being written every day at City Rescue Mission.
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Thursday, April 16th 2026
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1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
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Lunch, Guest Speaker & Client Testimonies, Photo Booth, and More
Event Gallery
Gallery Links
Featuring
Amanda Taylor
Emcee
Jess Connolly
Keynote
Barbara Green
Honorary Chair
Amanda Taylor
Amanda Taylor co-anchors the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts on News 9 and reports on issues important to Oklahomans. Since joining in 2006, she has earned 10 Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and numerous journalism honors.
A University of Florida graduate but grew up a “Hoosier” from Bloomington, Indiana. Before joining the News 9 team, she worked at KENS in San Antonio, Texas, KAUZ in Wichita Falls, Texas and WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Off-camera, she enjoys life with her husband Nick, their children Gage and Harlow, and their dog Ralphie, along with photography, ice skating, and crafting.
Jess Connolly
Jess Connolly is a speaker, author, pastor, and coach who longs to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about helping women live fully awake to who God is and who He’s created them to be, stepping confidently into their place in the Kingdom.
Jess is the bestselling author of several books, including You Are the Girl for the Job, Breaking Free from Body Shame, Tired of Being Tired, and What Comes Next, a 40-day devotional for those in the fight of their lives.
She is the founder of Go + Tell Gals, helped start She Reads Truth, and hosts The Jess Connolly Podcast. Alongside her husband, Nick, Jess pastors Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. You can find her online at jessconnolly.com
Barbara Green
Barbara Green has a passion for serving and uplifting others. Barbara is the founder of Hearts of Hope and hosted the inaugural luncheon in her home 27 years ago. She has served faithfully as a hostess every year. Her unwavering support and dedication have made a profound impact on the lives of countless women and families, and we are honored to have Barbara serve as our honorary event chair.
Call to Sponsors
Click below If you are interested in becoming a sponsor at the 2026 Hearts of Hope Luncheon. If you have questions, please reach out to to Shellie Holt
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship Levels
Heart Hostess – $10,000
- Two tables of 8 (16 guests) with premier seating
- Tier 1 Name on all printed and digital event
materials - Verbal recognition during luncheon
- Invitation to Table Hostess Luncheon on March 26
Hope Hostess – $5,000
- One table of 8 with premier seating
- Tier 2 Name on all printed and digital event materials
- Verbal recognition during luncheon
- Invitation to Table Hostess Luncheon on March 26
Rise Hostess – $2,500
- One table of 8 with premier seating
- Tier 3 Name on all printed and digital event materials
- Invitation to Table Hostess Luncheon on March 26
Shine Hostess $1,500
- One table of 8 for the luncheon
- Tier 4 Name on all printed and digital event materials
- Invitation to Table Hostess Luncheon on March 26
Table Hostess – $500
- One table of 8 for the luncheon
- Tier 5 Name on all printed and digital event materials
- Invitation to Table Hostess Luncheon on March 26