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Home > An Evening of Inspiration and Entertainment at HopeTree’s HopeGrows Fundraiser

SALEM, Va. (August 27, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, HopeGrows, taking place on Friday, September 12 at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall in Roanoke. This premier event will bring together philanthropists, community leaders, and compassionate individuals who share a common goal of elevating HopeTree’s programs while making a positive impact on those they serve.

Date: Friday, September 12

Time: VIP Reception – 5:30 PM | General Admission – 6:30 PM

Venue: Jefferson Center – Fitzpatrick Hall, 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Guests attending HopeGrows can look forward to an enchanting night of unforgettable experiences. The event will feature:

Master of Ceremonies Jenna Zibton: WSLS 10 news anchor Jenna Zibton will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Jenna has been pivotal for WSLS 10’s ’30 Days of Hope’ program that brings awareness to the successes and challenges of foster care and adoption. Every November since 2017, Jenna has featured children who can be adopted across Virginia, telling their stories along with those of families touched by the foster care system.

Keynote Speaker Cody Clark: is a Louisville‑based professional magician and autism self‑advocate whose performances seamlessly blend mesmerizing magic with relatable storytelling and humor. Diagnosed with autism at just 15 months, he defied early expectations—being told he might never walk, talk, or hold a job—and grew into a remarkable performer and advocate. Inspired at age 11 by his experience on stage at a magic show, Cody pursued the craft wholeheartedly. He honed his skills at the prestigious Jeff McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas and studied marketing and theatre arts at the University of Louisville—an education that laid the foundation for his unique style of performance.

Cody invites audiences into his world—using magic, comedy, classic country music, and personal narrative to share what life is like living with autism. His goal is to shift perceptions: to show that neurodiversity isn’t a limitation, but a different perspective that enriches us all. He has received numerous accolades, including sharing the stage with magic legend Lance Burton, earning the Society of American Magicians “Rising Star of Magic” award, and being named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear in honor of his advocacy work.

Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences generously donated by our partners and sponsors. Every contribution made through the auctions will directly benefit HopeTree’s programs.

We are grateful to our event sponsors, whose unwavering support has made HopeGrows possible. Their commitment to HopeTree’s mission and dedication to transforming lives demonstrates the power of collaboration in effecting real change. Individuals and organizations interested in attending HopeGrows are invited to visit our website at hopetreefs.org/hopegrows for more information and ticket purchases. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to contribute to the success of this significant event.

About HopeTree Family Services

HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Therapeutic Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, Family Centered Treatment, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Outpatient Therapy. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.

Home > From Foster Care to Future Lawyer

How HopeTree Helped a Determined Youth Reach Ole Miss

Picture shows Rocky Belcher in front of a University of Mississippi School of Law backdrop. Credit: Rocky Belcher

In a time where many struggle to find their footing, Rocky Belcher’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Today, Rocky walks the campus of the University of Mississippi as a pre-law student, thanks in large part to the unwavering support he received from HopeTree. His journey, however, began with immense challenges.

Growing up in Franklin County, Virginia, Rocky’s childhood was marked by instability. Raised in a single-parent household, he faced hardships that many would find insurmountable. At just ten years old, he and his siblings were taken from their mother due to unsafe living conditions and entered the foster care system. “Life wasn’t good,” Rocky shared, reflecting on his early years. Despite being uprooted multiple times, he clung to football and school—his only constants.

HopeTree came into Rocky’s life during one of his darkest periods. After struggling with depression and a suicide attempt, Rocky found himself with nowhere to turn. Enter HopeTree, which not only provided him with a safe place to stay but also gave him the tools and support he needed to start addressing his trauma. “One of the great things that HopeTree does is show kids it’s okay to talk about what’s happened to them,” he said. “They create a space where you feel cared for and listened to.”

“Every step I take on campus…wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.“
– Rocky Belcher

While at HopeTree, Rocky’s resilience began to shine. He achieved “level four” in the organization’s therapeutic system, a recognition voted on by peers and staff that celebrated his growth and maturity. This milestone symbolized his ability to overcome his past and embrace his potential.

But Rocky didn’t stop there. Despite being the first in his family to pursue higher education, he didn’t let the daunting application process deter him. His dream of attending Ole Miss became reality, inspired in part by watching The Blind Side. When financial barriers threatened his future, HopeTree stepped in again, providing a critical scholarship that covered a significant portion of his tuition.

“Every step I take on campus is a step in the right direction,” Rocky reflected. “It’s a step that wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.”

Today, Rocky is on a mission. His experiences have inspired him to pursue a career in law, with hopes of advocating for others who feel voiceless. “Kids like me need someone who believes in them,” he explained. “If someone believes in you, it can change everything.”

Looking to the future, Rocky envisions starting a nonprofit to support at-risk youth, providing resources such as tutoring, clothing, and funding for college essentials like computers. “There are so many kids out there with all the potential in the world. They just need an opportunity,” he said.

Rocky’s story is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a reminder of the incredible impact a community can have when it invests in its young people. For donors, supporters, and friends of HopeTree, his journey is proof that your contributions create ripples of hope and transformation.

As Rocky works toward his law degree, he carries with him the lessons learned at HopeTree: that everyone has worth, every dream is valid, and every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.

Picture shows Rocky Belcher and a friend during a Franklin County High School graduation. Photo credit to Rocky Belcher

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