On March 7, 2026, we welcomed supporters, partners, and friends to our annual gala, Where Hope Blooms, held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The evening was a vibrant celebration of community, generosity, and the shared mission of supporting individuals living with differing abilities.

Guests began the night with a lively cocktail hour, mingling while browsing an array of silent auction items. Excitement filled the room as attendees participated in a jewelry package raffle and the ever-popular golden ticket drawing, setting the tone for a memorable evening ahead. As guests moved into the ballroom for dinner, the evening officially began with a warm welcome from emcee Guy Phillips, alongside Jane Kaiser, who was serving as Interim President and CEO of UCP Heartland at the time. Together, they highlighted the importance of community support in sustaining and growing UCP Heartland’s impact.

This year’s gala was chaired by Andrew Gillentine, held in loving memory of his wife, Lauren Gillentine. His leadership helped create an evening that was both meaningful and impactful, honoring the legacy of compassion and service that defines UCP Heartland.

Moments of Recognition

Several special moments took place throughout the evening. First, guests heard the powerful story of Marcos Rendon, whose journey reflects the impact of our mission in action. With access to assistive technology, including a device that helps him communicate using his eyes and an Obi feeder that allows for independent mealtimes, Marcos has gained new independence and is now pursuing college. His story is a moving reminder that, with the right support, barriers can be removed and new possibilities can bloom.

Second was the presentation of the Heart of the Community Award to Kevin Ortmeyer and Janet Peters-Ortmeyer, whose leadership, generosity, and ongoing commitment to our mission embody the spirit of UCP Heartland and the power of giving back.

A Impactful Night of Community

The program continued with a dynamic live auction and the Fund-A-Need initiative, all of which played a vital role in raising essential funds. Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and supporters, the evening raised over $300,000 to benefit individuals with disabilities and the services that support them. This an extraordinary milestone for our organization’s 72-year mission.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the gala such a success. Your commitment to our mission amplifies opportunities for the people we support and ensures that critical programs can continue to grow and thrive. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Gala Sponsors, whose dedication and generosity are the driving force behind the success of this event. Your support propels our work forward, and we are proud to have you by our side as partners in creating a more inclusive community.

Reflecting on the evening, Jane Kaiser shared:

“We are so grateful to all our guests and partners who joined us in support of UCP Heartland’s 2026 ‘Where Hope Blooms’ Gala. The evening was a beautiful celebration of our mission, our remarkable community, and our outstanding honorees, Kevin Ortmeyer and Janet Peters-Ortmeyer. Their leadership and generosity reflect the very spirit of UCP Heartland and the life-changing impact of our services. At UCP Heartland, we believe in a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and we are deeply thankful for those who help make that vision a reality.”

The Where Hope Blooms gala once again demonstrated the strength of the UCP Heartland community, coming together not only to celebrate, but to create lasting impact and ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.