Retro-inspired fundraiser sets new record for Waco’s Archway of Hope

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The largest fundraiser of the year for a local nonprofit that helps people who have lost someone too young broke records not only in attendance but also in funds raised.

Archway of Hope, an organization that helps people who have suffered loss – often children – hosted its annual Retro Radio 2024 fundraiser Saturday night at The Base at the Extraco Event Center in Waco.

More than 550 people took part.

“The event went great,” said Archway chairman Paul Allison. “We had a great turnout. I think it was the highest attendance we’ve had to date. We raised a lot of money.”

The nonprofit was founded after Waco attorney and McGregor High School teacher Lorna Hering and former McGregor Mayor Jimmy Hering lost their son Rhett in a UTV accident at the end of their driveway in 2015.

Parents said there is little support available for people who have suffered such a loss.

The Herings dreamed of a place where the club members, who “nobody wants to join,” as they say, would eventually find hope by connecting with others who had been in their situation.

“Over the years, I have experienced many good days in life through this never-ending source of God’s grace and mercy,” said Jimmy. “I have learned that relationships and experiences are the most important thing.”

The nonprofit has expanded in many ways in recent years and now offers group counseling sessions, a podcast and online resources for grieving families.

One of the group’s main focuses is producing documentaries about people who were taken from life early and talking to their relatives about how they managed to continue leading meaningful lives.

Recently, there was a story about police officer Chad Walker, who died in 2021 when he stopped to help what he thought was a stranded motorist. His wife, Tobie, organized Saturday’s event and says the nonprofit has done so much for her family. Several others in the room had also suffered losses, from murder to suicide and accidents, but the party was a chance for everyone to forget their grief for a few hours.

The theme was the 70s, 80s and 90s and the costumes included everything from general decade-appropriate clothing to Julia Roberts, Top Gun, Tina Turner and the Golden Girls.

“Everyone had a great time [and] There was a great atmosphere in the house,” said Allison. “We are so grateful to everyone who came, [the] Sponsors [who] appeared, [those who] spent a little money and had a fun night with us for a really good cause.”

To donate or learn more, visit Archwayofhope.org.

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