esp (Extra Special People) successfully raised over $1.2M through their signature event - Big Hearts. Big Hearts is an annual fundraiser that helps fund esp’s mission to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. The 2024 Big Hearts theme, a masterpiece, was in honor of the individuals esp serves and their passion for celebrating how we are each beautifully created. The event showcased two unforgettable nights beginning with a special needs talent show on Friday, February 16 followed by a black-tie gala and silent auction on February 17. This remarkable weekend underscored the notion that community involvement is a crucial piece of the masterpiece that esp strives to paint, proving once again that beauty and strength lie in our collective efforts and unique differences.

February 16: Friday Night Talent Show

The Talent Show, a captivating element of the Big Hearts experience, was held on February 16, 2024, at Athens Church in Athens, Georgia. The emcees for the evening included prominent personalities such as Lorenzo Carter, Aaron Murray, Josh Murray, Lily D. Moore, Jake Sapp, Rod Smith and esp CEO Laura Hope Whitaker. This year, the event uniquely featured food trucks offering an eclectic mix of dinner options, enriching the guest experience with communal outdoor dining. The talent show drew a crowd of 900+ attendees who enjoyed a diverse range of performances, from dancing and magic tricks to dad jokes and monster truck driving. The evening concluded with the crowning of the People’s Choice champion, Finn Whalen, who garnered the most donations in the weeks leading up to and during the talent show.

"They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Our community showed up once again to prove they behold and are a part of the masterpiece that esp is painting. It’s a different kind of masterpiece, far more beautiful, one of difference, belonging and love. It is only because of weekends like this that the everyday masterpiece of esp is a reality!" remarked Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of esp & Co-Founder of Java Joy.

February 17: Saturday Night Gala and Silent Auction

The highly anticipated Big Hearts Gala, renowned as Athens' Best Community Event, unfolded on February 17, 2024, at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. Drawing attendees from all corners of the state and beyond, this prestigious gathering not only highlighted the generous spirit of the Athens community but also showcased the widespread support and solidarity that spans geographical boundaries. The black-tie affair attracted over 1,400 guests, providing an evening of glamor and generosity. Attendees enjoyed a red carpet adorned with esp participants and a silent auction that raised an impressive $134,800. A standout moment of the evening came with the introduction of the art pull, allowing guests to draw numbers and exchange them for unique art pieces. Simultaneously, the gala was enhanced by a live painting session where renowned artist, Elliott From, demonstrated his skill, crafting a one-of-a-kind masterpiece on-site.

Remaining true to its commitment to not turning away families based on their ability to pay, esp aimed to fund families from the proceeds of the gala. The cost for esp to provide a year's worth of services is around $5,000 per year. The community rallied together and surpassed expectations by funding 140 families, realizing yet another esp dream. The 2024 Big Hearts theme, a masterpiece, invited the community to revel in the art of transformative experiences and emphasized the organization's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.