IRVINE - The Marketplace’s Pat & Oscar’s opened their doors on the evening of Monday, May 4, for the “Night of Hope” fundraiser. The event was open for anyone who was interested, as long as they brought a nonperishable food item, which would be donated to the Orange County Rescue Mission.  The Orange County Rescue Mission is a ministry located in Tustin. Their goal is to assist the community by providing food and shelter for the homeless, giving guidance and counseling for those in need, and working in order to create independent living communities.  Pat & Oscar's has been working on the planning of this event for months. Management and marketing from Pat & Oscar's came to Beckman in order to personally ask the school to be a part of this event. Rachel’s Challenge, one of Beckman’s many clubs, was a participating group from Beckman affiliated with this event.

    For ten dollars a person and 25 dollars for a family of four, participants could indulge in a buffet style set up, which included breadsticks, salad, pizza, and more. The outside dinning area of the restaurant was transformed and members of the Beckman Marching Band and Cheer team performed, bringing spirit to the event. Although she didn’t cheer at the event, Junior Varsity cheerleader Madison Hughes came to the event and commented, “It was really great.” She continued, “I’m glad Beckman was able to be a part of this [ Night of Hope].”  
    Outside of the Pat & Oscarss entrance, gym mats were set up for children to play. Inside, Beckman’s Boys' Choir shared the harmonies of their voices by performing a few songs for the audience. The festivities of the night also included a wheel in which participants could spin in hopes of winning various prizes, such as a free bag of breadsticks, coupons, and more. Near the wheel was a face painting station where children could get their faces decorated. The night ended as a success, with a great number of people participating. A portion of all proceeds was donated, as well as all of the non perishable items, to The Orange County Rescue Mission. In the future, Patriots and the community can look forward to another possible Night of Hope event.