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Newly appointed President, JR Tanghal, at Fields Motorcars Orlando where he will host the 2025 Fashion and Hope event
J.R. Tanghal appointed as President of Hope For More Foundation
It’s a sweltering Florida afternoon, but inside Fields Motorcars, where sleek Bentleys rest under curated lighting and the last notes of jazz still hang in the air, something far more enduring is taking place. J.R. Tanghal, the newly appointed president of the Hope for More Foundation, sits casually, energized by equal parts adrenaline and intention.
There’s a calm command about him, years of experience layered with humor, grit, and an unmistakable heart for community. He’s not new to the Foundation. In fact, he’s been behind its flagship event, Fashion and Hope, since its infancy. But stepping into the role of president marks a pivotal moment for the legacy he’s helping to shape.
“I didn’t grow up dreaming of running a nonprofit,” he says with a candid shrug. “But when the opportunity came, it just felt right. Jessica built something powerful. I just want to take it further.”
Jessica Haines, the Foundation’s original founder and first president, built Hope for More with unwavering integrity and a fierce commitment to serving others, on her own terms. Unafraid to break from tradition, she reimagined what a nonprofit could look like, prioritizing heart, community, and impact over convention. Now, it’s up to J.R. Tanghal to carry that vision forward not just to sustain it, but to shape it into a lasting legacy. The two first met while volunteering with Make-A-Wish. “We didn’t really like rules,” he says with a laugh. “So we made our own.” For him, the opportunity to be entrusted with what she started is both a privilege and a profound honor.
Their bond has always mirrored that of an older sister and younger brother, built on mutual respect, quiet loyalty, and an unshakable work ethic. For years, they poured their hearts into what they often called a “part-time thing,” despite it demanding full-time devotion. Through it all, J.R. remained closely aligned with Jessica’s vision, not just in action but in spirit. So when the time came to pass the torch, there was no question. He wasn’t chosen simply for his long-standing involvement, he was entrusted because he deeply understands the heart behind the mission and is committed to building the legacy Jessica began.
JR Tanghal, President of Hope For More Foundation stands with Siria Andino, Director of Style and Culture with the Orlando Life
Rebels With a Cause
The Hope for More Foundation isn’t your average nonprofit and they don’t pretend to be. With cornerstone events like the Anti-Gala, the Anti-Golf Tournament said to be brought back this year and Fashion and Hope set to take place August 23rd, 2025 at Bentley Orlando, their approach to fundraising is as unorthodox as it is effective.
“We’re not here to replicate the same black-tie galas,” Tanghal explains. “We’re trying to reach people in unexpected ways, throw a great party, raise real money, and make sure it goes to children-focused organizations that need it.”
At its core, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with other local charities throughout Central Florida. It builds platforms, amplifies missions, and creates connection.
And Fashion and Hope? That’s where Tanghal’s personal touch is most visible. What began over a decade ago as a fashion-forward pre-party to a white themed charity event has now grown into one of Orlando’s most buzzed-about evenings. “We started with three or four boutiques,” he recalls. “Last year, we had over 600 attendees, major sponsors, celebrity models, and more demand than we could handle.” “It’s emotional for me. Seeing it grow, knowing how many people it touches, it means everything.”
“For the past three years, Bentley Orlando has been proud to host the Fashion and Hope charity event,” Joseph Wierda, General Manager of Fields Motorcars Orlando, told The Orlando Life. “It’s our community’s premier charitable gathering. Together, we’ve helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars to support local causes. This event reflects our commitment to giving back, and we’re honored to stand with those who are making a real difference.”
The show itself is anything but typical. Think high-energy performances, burlesque openers, a 21+ crowd sipping cocktails in custom lounge seating, and closing walks with lingerie lines and local flair. But beneath the sequins and spotlights is a deeper mission: to fundraise with intention.
“It’s sexy, it’s bold, but it’s rooted in real need,” Tanghal says. “And every model, boutique, and guest plays a role in that. The fashion brings them in, but the cause keeps them coming back.”
This year’s beneficiary is Give Hope Foundation, an organization supporting families facing pediatric cancer with treatment support and essentials: rent, groceries, stability. “It’s a perfect fit,” he tells me. “Our hope meets theirs.”
None of it would be possible, he adds, without the tireless work of the volunteers and sponsors. “They’re the heartbeat of this whole thing. Their commitment and belief in our mission are what allow us to do what we do at scale. Every detail from setup to the final runway walk is powered by people who care.”
Tanghal leads differently, by doing, not dictating. “If I’m asking someone to move chairs, ask for money, or stay late to clean up, it’s because I’ve done it myself,” he says.
The Faine House, a local non-profit that empowers young adults with housing, skills, and support, told the Orlando Life, “We couldn't be more happy to JR take on this role as President for Hope For More Foundation. He’s been an invaluable force within our non-profit community bringing light to the underserved and providing hope to those throughout Central Florida. His heart for connecting others and raising necessary funds for those in need is apparent in all he does.”
It’s clear that his leadership is not about optics or ego, but about alignment, working with people who show up for the right reasons. “You can feel it when someone’s energy isn’t aligned,” he says. “No matter how much money they have, if it doesn’t match our vibe, it doesn’t work.”
That integrity, he tells me, is what makes the difference. Not just for the board or the models but for the entire community.
“Being present matters,” he says. “In this world, where everyone is so distracted, showing up with intention physically, emotionally, that’s powerful.”
Local fashion designer, Claudia Gutierrez told the Orlando Life, “JR unites our community to celebrate the purpose God placed in his heart. I’ve been involved in his work for 13 years and his perseverance and love for others has become a lasting legacy!”
I ask him if there was a moment that made him realize the true depth of the work. He doesn’t hesitate.
“A model in last year’s show had survived domestic violence. No one knew her story until she shared, post-event, that walking the runway helped her reclaim her strength.
She said that walking in Fashion and Hope was the light she needed.”
His voice falters. It’s the kind of pause you don’t interrupt.
“That’s when I realized, we’re changing lives, not only for the charities involved but for the people involved as well.”
As he steps into this new role, Tanghal has one clear goal: elevate every event into a six-figure fundraiser. But more than numbers, he wants longevity, growth and new faces stepping into leadership. A future that continues to build upon Jessica’s vision.
“I hope Fashion and Hope becomes a staple event in Orlando,” he says. “And not just because it’s fun but because it means something.”
He smiles. “I guess you could call it a legacy. I just want it to matter.”
When I ask him what hope means to him, Tanghal doesn’t wax poetic. He doesn’t need to.
“It’s inspiration. It’s action. It’s doing great things.”
