Dust off your boots and join us for the Hope Story Hoedown - a high-energy barn social filled with great food, great music, and an even greater mission.
We’re rallying around something powerful: expanding access to quality secondary education at Amani High School in Tanzania, where educational opportunities are limited and the chance to attend high school is far from guaranteed.
Our goal is to raise $25,000, generously matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000, for a total of $50,000.
What to expect:
- Tapas-style grazing dinner featuring a catered BBQ menu by Steel Grill Catering
- Featured Q&A with Sarah Isack from the Amani School in Tanzania
- Square & line dancing with a professional caller – no experience required
- Country-themed photobooth
- Western gear costume contest (bragging rights on the line)
Set in a beautiful barn setting in Ilderton, Ontario, the Hope Story Hoedown is all about relaxed fun, meaningful connection, and making a tangible difference – one dance step (and BBQ bite) at a time.
Your impact
Founded in 2008, Amani Primary School was established to provide vulnerable children from the marginalized Digo community with access to quality education, nutritious meals, and Christian discipleship. Today, the school ranks in the top 10% of schools in Tanzania - a testament to its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
With the support of Hope Story, Amani High School opened in January 2022, bringing long-awaited secondary education to a community that previously had none. For many families, distance and cost made high school inaccessible, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Amani High School now provides students with the opportunity to continue their education close to home, ensuring a seamless path from primary through secondary school in a supportive and values-centered environment.
Since its opening, the high school has added a new grade level each year as it steadily grows to meet demand. Funds raised at the Hope Story Hoedown will support the next phase of expansion -strengthening academic programs, increasing capacity, and equipping more students with the education, skills, and character formation needed to become resilient, capable leaders shaping a stronger future for Tanzania.
Double Your Impact
We are seeking to raise $25,000 at this event. A generous donor had committed to matching funds raised dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 - doubling your impact and accelerating the next phase of growth at Amani High School.
Guest speakers
Sarah Isack
Sarah has been serving the school since 2015 and oversees academic performance, staff development, operations, and compliance. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and brings a deep commitment to Biblical leadership and integrity. Sarah works closely with her husband, Olivier Iradukunda, Child Development and Community Outreach Officer, who oversees chaplaincy, youth mentorship, and community engagement initiatives.
FAQs
Think a full dinner - just served passed appetizer/small-plate style so you can eat, mingle, and move. We will have a dessert spread out later in the evening as well!
Yes! We will have a caller who teaches each dance step-by-step, so beginners can jump right in.
Yes! You can enjoy the food, fellowship, and lively barn atmosphere without ever stepping onto the dance floor. You will also hear from and interact with Sarah Isack from the Amani School. Whether you are on the dance floor or cheering from the sidelines, you will be part of a lively and memorable evening.
Yes! We invite dancers of all ages to join the fun. A cash bar will be available for adults, and alcohol service will be responsibly managed to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Our event is indoors, so we will dance rain or shine! If the skies are clear and the weather is warm, we may open the barn doors to let in the evening air.
To get into the spirit of the event, we encourage going country-western and pulling on those cowboy boots you weren’t sure you were ever going to wear! We will have a prize for the guest wearing our favourite get-up. Whether you decide to dress the part or not, wear something comfortable and that you can move in!
Not at all! You do not need a partner for line dancing and square dancing is done group-style. Come solo, with friends, or with a date – you are welcome to attend either way.
Your ticket includes admission, food and non-alcoholic beverages. A small selection of alcoholic beverages will be available on-site for an additional cost.
Yes, there is free parking available. Our event is taking place at a private country property with fully paved parking available behind the barn.
Doors will officially open and food service will begin at 6PM. We will have a short Q&A with our special guest at 6:30PM and dancing will begin at 7:00PM.
