Hope Grows Here
Celebrating 60 Years of Life. Planting Seeds of Healing.
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Norfolk Airport
What is Hope Grows Here?
Hope Grows Here is a powerful fundraiser hosted by Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, bringing people together for remembrance, connection, and healing. At its heart, the evening supports those navigating loss while planting seeds of hope for tomorrow. We’ll also take a moment to honor the birthday of our founder, Dr. Tina Fornwald, making this gathering both profoundly personal and purpose-driven.
Come dressed in your favorite 60s look, ready to build community, raise awareness, and uplift grieving hearts together.
Why It Matters?
Your participation helps fund programs that make a difference: grief support
groups, men’s mental health outreach, widowhood retreats, podcast conversations, and beyond.
Together, we nurture hope in the lives of those walking through loss.
Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina has reached 27.5 million + viewers across 119 countries. You’re part of something global.
What to Expect?
- Best-Dressed 60s Costume Content
- The Five Widows Club Book Signing with Dr. Tina Fornwald
- 50/50 Cash Raffle
- Comedian Peaty Ray-Red
- Live DJ & Dancing
- Building Community Connections
- Red Carpet Interviews
Meet the Board
The heart of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina is powered by an extraordinary team of leaders, each bringing a unique story, set of skills, and dedication to the mission of grief support.
Keynote Speaker
Donna Jean Kendrick
From young widow, to business owner, to the
modern-day Brady Bunch, learn the back story of
Donna Kendrick, speaker, author, podcast host, and
financial planner.
And in a breath decided to recreate my career and make sure that I could help men and women in widowhood make better financial decisions.”
Donna's Vision
My vision is to help people have a life well lived where they can savor every moment, even in the midst
of change and uncertainty. To reach this, I guide my clients toward financial confidence, giving them the
freedom of choice. As I serve the families and individuals who walk through my door, and strive to be a
passionate and supportive lifeline forthem in whateverthey are going through. Honesty and
generosity directs and fuels me in my mission, putting people first and prioritizing ourrelationships.
Meet Our Special Guest
We’re honored to welcome grief advocate Tony Lynch
Tony Lynch
Founder, Memories of Us • Grief Advocate • Podcast Host
Tony Lynch is a nationally recognized grief and mental health advocate devoted to helping men navigate loss, identity, and healing with authenticity and strength. Through his nonprofit organization Memories of Us and powerful podcast platform, Tony has built a brotherhood of support where men can be vulnerable, seen, and empowered to heal.
From peer-led support groups to holistic healing methods—including equine and music therapy—Tony creates transformational spaces for emotional growth.
It’s not just about surviving grief—it’s about growing from it.
Note: Tony will not serve as speaker or emcee, but will be present throughout
the event for connection, conversation, and live red carpet discussions during the event.
Peaty Ray-Red
Special Guest Performance: Comedian Peaty Ray-Red
Yes, joy and healing can coexist.
At Hope Grows Here, we believe healing spaces must hold the full range of human experience, including laughter. That’s why we’re honored to feature comedian Peaty Ray-Red, who will deliver a stand-up performance at an evening centered on community, remembrance, and renewal.
This is not laughter that dismisses loss.
This is laughter that reminds us we are still alive.
Peaty Ray-Red’s humor is relatable, thoughtful, and grounded in real life, offering a moment of lightness during a night designed to support widows, grieving families, and the broader healing community.
Help Us Reach Our Goal: $50,000
Your donation powers:
The Children of Widowhood Secret Santa initiative
College scholarships for children impacted by loss
Healing retreats and the Walk for Love
Ongoing grief support and our Memorial Garden
Educational resources and community outreach
Planning Your Trip?
We’ve secured a discounted room block at the DoubleTree Norfolk Airport for
our out-of-town guests and local supporters who want to stay overnight.
Can't Attend But Still Want to Support?
Your presence matters — and so does your participation from afar. Here’s how you can still be part of it:
- Make a one-time or monthly donation
- Volunteer at a future WRTWT event
- Sponsor an attendee or vendor
