Who: Rockers, do-gooders and party-goers
What: Hope Rocks
Where: Epic Events Center
When: Sept. 24, 2011
Why: To support Faith's Lodge, a retreat for parents and families facing the serious illness or death of a child

I heard about Hope Rocks from several of my co-workers, and I was anxious to attend this year. In the midst of so many traditional galas, this event stands out for its top-notch entertainment and rocker-chic vibe.

My date and I walked the red carpet, snapped a photo in the VIP area, and strolled into Epic. As I looked around the room, I saw plenty of leather, denim, glitter, and glow sticks. Guests mingled with one another, sipped cocktails, and enjoyed sushi and spring rolls from CRAVE.

Then it was time for the entertainment. Lynhurst kicked off the night with a bevy of crowd-pleasing cover songs, from Sheryl Crow’s “All I Wanna Do” to The Cardigans’ “Lovefool.” Some guests soaked up the music while others got henna tattoos, hair extensions, and massages upstairs.

I bumped into event chairs Leslie and Rick Kupchella near the stage, and I chatted with Faith’s Lodge founders Susan and Mark Lacek. While Hope Rocks is always a big event, this year is particularly important, as the grounds at Faith’s Lodge were severely damaged by a storm in July. The money raised through the event’s silent and live auctions will go toward repairs.

Local indie pop artist Jeremy Messersmith closed out the night with a mellow set, including songs from his album The Reluctant Graveyard. After six hours of partying like a rock star, I collected my souvenir Hope Rocks poster and guitar pick and headed home.