In a “better late than never” story inspired by this year’s hurricanes, local heroes will get the honors they deserve — but likely won’t ever ask for — at A Hero For Kids’ fourth annual “Real Heroes Don’t Wear Capes” awards Gala on Jan. 7.
It was originally scheduled for its normal fall date, but in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, organization founder John Kalish — you know him better as “Batman” — said he didn’t want to pull first responders away from their cleanup work in the community. The result is what he calls, “A little more intimate affair.”
“In some ways it’s a good thing, we can shorten the event and I can get around and thank everyone,” Kalish said of the 6-10 p.m. event at Embassy Suites. “At the end of the day, it’s really about the people in the community we’re recognizing, but the people who attend have told me they enjoy the gala.”
A list of community “heroes” will be honored, such as a volunteer, Veteran, medical professional, local business, teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, and an “Inspirer.”
The Gala, which will feature a murder mystery theme from the Roaring 20s, also includes a D.J., photo booth, cigar vendor and an auction with great donated items. The proceeds go to A Hero For Kids. The organization annually gives away school supplies and backpacks when school starts, and helps families in need at the holidays with food and gifts.
For instance, this year the Gala will follow after the group’s Christmas Day Brunch for Families, held Sunday at Phyre Pinup Speakeasy & Tavern in St. Cloud, and brought 15 families and 38 children together and provided bikes and other gifts that fulfilled their wish lists.
“We heard some heart-wrenching family stories of what they’ve been through this year,” Kalish said. “The drive-through event (a toy donation held Dec. 17) is cool, but the interaction with families is just a couple minutes. This, we got to sit and take time with people in our community who really tried to make the holidays bright for their children, and we got to help.”
Gala tickets are still available. For information go to www.aheroforkids.org/annual-gala.
