


Photo by Brion Price
The Hope For More Foundation will host its annual Anti-Gala on Feb 7th at Fields BMW Winter Park, offering what organizers describe as a laid-back alternative to traditional black-tie fundraisers.
The event is designed to keep the core purpose of a gala, to raise money for local causes, while stripping away the formality and cost barriers that often come with it, said J.R. Tanghal, president of the Hope For More Foundation.
“It’s exactly what the title says,” Tanghal said. “It’s an anti-gala.”
Instead of tuxedos and a plated dinner, the Anti-Gala leans into an outdoor, tailgate vibe. Tanghal said the event includes multiple food trucks, a live band, an open bar and a silent auction. The goal is to keep it approachable while still producing meaningful fundraising results.

Photo by Brion Price
Hope For More has built its identity around fundraising events that are intentionally less “stuffy,” Tanghal said. It’s an approach he credits to the foundation’s origins and its early decision to break from convention.
That focus has also translated into strong results for the organization’s other major event, which last year raised $200,000 to support families facing life threatening pediatric illnesses.
Tanghal, who grew up in the Orlando area, said his motivation is rooted in a long relationship with the city and his belief that giving back is part of the responsibility that comes with building a life here.
“I’m one of the rare Orlandoans that actually grew up here and I kind of just stayed,” he said, describing decades of being around downtown Orlando through school, work and community connections.
He said the foundation’s events have become more than fundraisers because of how they create connections, friendships and opportunities that extend beyond the night itself.
“I know there’s stuff like that that happens,” Tanghal said, referring to relationships that form at events. “There’s business relationships that have happened after that. And that’s really cool to see.”
Tanghal also acknowledged the strain of organizing large nonprofit events while working a full-time job in medical sales, calling it “a part-time gig with full-time hours.”
What: Hope For More Foundation Anti-Gala
When: Feb 7th
Where: Fields BMW Winter Park
Hosted by: Hope For More Foundation
Tickets/Info: Hope For More Foundation event page

Photo by Brion Price