Stacy Shaw
It looked like another Valentine’s Day party at the
Continental Event Center in Manassas on Sat., Feb 11. The women wore pink scarves and blouses, the men pink neckties and the girls pinned their hair back with shocking-pink barrettes. Magenta lighting illuminating the ballroom, and the cupcakes were adorned with carnation icing. However, despite appearances, the nearly 300 attendees assembled to celebrate the life of
Autumn Hoeft, daughter of Gordon and Angie, a five-year-old, who passed away on Dec. 10, 2011 after struggling with cancer. Forty-two members of "
Autumn’s Army" organized the dinner, dance and silent auction to serve as a fundraiser for the Hoeft family to help them pay Autumn’s medical expenses. James Hester donated space at the
Continental Event Center, while
Bella Vita and
Glory Days Grill donated the food. Many locally owned businesses offered their sponsorships, and dozens more donated items for auction. Scores of Bristow and Nokesville neighbors, teachers, classmates and family members bought tickets to the dinner and generously bid on auction items, raffle prizes and 50/50 tickets. Fifty-fifty winner, Chris Christman even donated his winnings of $215 back to the family.
Autumn’s Army and the T.Clay Wood P.T.O. were thrilled with the outcome. “It was a smashing success, and we achieved our fundraising goal,” said Mindy Diepenbrock, a general in Autumn’s Army. Most importantly the Hoeft family was grateful for everything the community did to support them and their daughter in their time of grief. “This is over-whelming. I cannot begin to tell you the load this has taken off my family,” said Sheree Stahl, Autumn’s aunt. “I thought of what I needed to do, but I wasn’t in any shape to do it. People came in and took over, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful our family is. Autumn was the baby.” “I’m just looking around, and I can’t believe so many people care; I just want to cry,” said Mona Rose, Autumn’s grandmother.
- Heidi Lesinski, Michelle Cottrill and Tracy Howell, members of Autumn's Army, heard about Autumn's Army through T. Clay Wood Elementary and their friends and neighbors.
Autumn’s mother, Angie Hoeft, fought through tears, explaining that she has not gotten out much since Autumn’s passing, but was amazed to see so many people donating their time, effort and money for her little girl. “It’s unimaginable so many people cared about her,” said Hoeft, explaining Autumn only attended T. Clay Wood for two weeks, before having to undergo treatment in Boston and other cities. “I have no idea who most of these people are. They came together for Autumn,” Hoeft said. Autumn's Dad, Gordon Hoeft was likewise moved, and said, "The place is amazing. I can't believe they went to so much trouble for us." The Hoefts were pleased that Autumn’s Amy incorporated those personal touches, the pink theme and the butterfly motif, because Autumn loved butterflies. “Autumn loved parties, she would have loved this, would have been on the dance floor, flipping her little dress around. She loved dressing up,” Mrs. Hoeft said.
- James Hester donated his event center and acted as MC for the party and auction.
Particulars of Autumn’s life were shared with the attendees through photos set to music and projected onto a large screen. The photos captured some of Autumn’s happiest moments: trips to the beach, rides at the amusement park and playing dress up with her cat, Rusty. Autumn's smile was evident in each slide. The video ended with a quote by Rabindranath Tagore, “The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” Autumn’s uncle Dave Stahl also shared some fond memories of Autumn. “Autumn loved life. She made the most of everyday and brought joy to the life of everyone she was around,” Stahl said.
After commemorating Autumn, the event continued with dinner, awarding prizes and later played music, much to the delight of the children who hit the dance floor first, followed by their parents. Amanda Hoeft, Autumn's sister, joined in on the dance floor with her cousins Chase and Sage. Autumn’s Army thanked everyone involved with making the night a success, and Diepenbrock said people can still donate to the Hoeft family. Checks can be made out to
T.Clay Wood Elementary School with ‘Autumn’ in the subject line. They should be sent to T. Clay Wood Elementary School at 10600 Kettle Run Rd. Nokesville, VA 20181 to the attention of Lynn Hardwick, bookkeeper.
