“An Evening of Hope” was held on 09/27/2008 at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, IL. Starring two-time national champion, two-time world medalist and Olympian Evan Lysacek, the show benefits the Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Illinois Chapter. Starring with Evan were current World champion, Olympic bronze medalist and six-time Canadian champion Jeffrey Buttle; Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto; World Champion Kimmie Meissner; U.S. Pairs Champions Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski; World Champion ice dancer Shae-Lynn Borne; Canadian National Champion Jennifer Robinson; U.S. Bronze Medalist Ryan Bradley; two-time U.S. Pairs Champions Rena Inoue and John Baldwin; two-time National bronze medalist Dan Hollander; and more. Local up-and-coming skaters and synchronized skating teams also performed.

Many more photographs of this event and the skaters are available at the truviz photo gallery. Because of the charity nature of the event, I will be donating all proceeds from sales of the photos to the Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund.

Finally, here is an article that appeared in the Springbrook Elementary School 4th Grade Class Newspaper describing the event.  It was written by my 9 year old daughter, who is a beginning competitive skater and a big fan of many of the skaters at the show, especially Evan Lysacek who lived just a few houses down from us and attended the same elementary school.

An Evening of Hope - by A.S.K.

Saturday, September 29, 2008

For 13 years young Stephanie has been fighting cancer, at age 21 she died. One of her closest friends, famous men’s figure skater, Evan Lysacek organized An Evening of Hope. Since she was 8 she was fighting cancer Evan thought it is something to remember forever and he was right. Although the show is over you can still donate to the Stephanie Joseph fund. Stephanie’s courage has affected everyone at the show.

It was an amazing show, all of Stephanie’s friends performed. Stephanie, like her friends, was a figure skater. It was an amazing show, Stephanie’s friends and music. Radiant jumps, breathtaking spins and awesome footwork.

It was An Evening of Hope.