A fundraising evening aimed at supporting refugee families..
This year's Gala theme, Threads of Hope, resonates deeply with VOR's mission philosophy. It reflects how we unite as staff and volunteers to embrace the refugee families who come to us seeking help. Our connections are formed through shared stories, prayers, and experiences; each one a testament to God's love in action. We are all created in God's image and likeness, and so we see our global neighbors not as numbers as threads in the same tapestry, each one woven by God, each one essential to the whole.
The Bible verse of this year’s Gala theme is from Colossians 2:2-3
“…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ”
| What to Expect | Threads of Hope
- VOR Gala 2026
| What to Expect | Threads of Hope - VOR Gala 2026
Event Flow:
You arrive loose, a single unattached thread. The Souk pulls you in first, color and scent and the Sound of the Oud before anything else. Quietly, all evening, a Silent Auction waits for anyone willing to bid; a thread anyone can weave into the bigger fabric. Over Hors D'oeuvres, you find your place beside another thread. By the time the Dinner Buffet is served, you're no longer alone in the pattern. The VOR team takes you on a journey around God’s work in the global refugee tapestry. Comedian Nazareth weaves you into threads of humor. Christian Mungai refocuses our attention on God’s creation. Then, the Live Auction ties the last thread, and by the time the winners are announced, you're no longer a thread… you're part of the Threads of Hope. And before you go, a Blessing sends you out… not the same thread you arrived as, but a thread woven in love.
Enjoy “THE SOUK” experience which will take place during the first hour of the event. An interactive experience where guests will tour multiple stations in the outdoor space, where they will explore various oriental cultures including:
Make your own perfume
Make your own spice jar mix
Levantine tea tasting and hospitality table
Arabic calligraphy writing with a customized take-home souvenir
Tatreez (Levantine embroidery) display
While the live music plays in the background and hors-d’oeuvres are being offered, our donors can enjoy a pleasant time on the patio during sunset and discover more about the different cultures that represent VOR.
Melodies from Little Arabia
As you roam the Souk and enjoy an eclectic dinner, let the music of Ibrahim Duqom set the mood. Duqom is a master oud player who brings the soulful sound of Levantine music/songs to audiences across Southern California. A beloved fixture of Orange County's Little Arabia, his music has a way of uniting people of every background around a single, shared note.
Clean comedy from the man who launched the mission.
Get ready for an evening of clean, high-energy comedy that's as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Nazareth's humor is built to include everyone in the room — no edge, no politics, just genuine laughter that brings people together. Expect a few surprises, a lot of heart, and plenty of moments you'll still be laughing about on the drive home.
Imago Dei: The Image We All Carry
Christian closes our evening with a message rooted in Scripture and shaped by a lifetime spent building bridges across cultures. Drawing from his book, People Are the Wealth, he'll invite us to see the people we serve, the way God does: not as projects, but as image-bearers, woven together into something far richer than any single gift alone. Come ready to listen, and to leave with a renewed sense of why tonight matters.
Browse and bid on a curated selection of items generously donated by our community, including:
Health & Wellness Basket
Handmade Children's Toys Basket
African Handmade Homegoods Basket
Gemstone Jewelry
Hand-Pressed Stationery Basket
Beauty Basket from South Korea
Two African Paintings by an Egyptian Artist
Refugee-Inspired Painting by a Syrian Artist
Disney on Ice Suite Tickets
Anaheim Ducks Suite and Terrace Tickets
Rock Concert Suite Tickets at the Honda Center
Beauty Basket from Morocco
Levantine Basket (including the Gibran Khalil Gibran Book Series)
Little Arabia Food Tour (including a Gourmet Basket)
Embroidery and Cross-Stitch Basket
Natural Skincare Bundle Box
Signed Afghanistan Photography Coffee-Table Book
A 7-Night Hotel Stay in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Silent auction bidding opens at 5:00 PM and closes at 7:30 PM. Winning bidders will be notified at the end of the night.
Live Auction Item
Private Flight for Two to Catalina Island, departing from John Wayne Airport (including lunchtime on the island)
What to Expect & Before You Arrive
Dress Code
Gala Attire — Cocktail/Semi-Formal, with earthy accents welcome.
Arrival & Check-In
Doors open at 5:00 PM. Please allow a few extra minutes for check-in, especially if you're arriving with a group or table.
Parking
Self-park anywhere at Alta Vista Country Club — no valet.
Dietary Accommodations
If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know by [DATE] so we can do our best to accommodate you. [Include a contact email/phone or link to update their info]
Photo & Media Notice
By attending our Gala Banquet event on Thursday, you agree that photos and video may be taken throughout the evening and used by Voice of Refugees for future promotional, marketing, and fundraising purposes. If you'd prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know at check-in.