Painting the Night with a Purpose
By Jonathan Griffith on May 02, 2026
There is a unique kind of quiet that settles over Bridgeport after the last runner has crossed the finish line at the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K. It’s that exhausted, satisfied feeling that comes when a community has collectively poured its heart into something meaningful. But last year, that silence was replaced by a new sense of anticipation. As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the sneakers and dri-fit shirts were traded for something a bit more polished, and the energy of the morning found a second wind at “Paint the Night Blue.”
As a community, we have a unique way of turning a moment of remembrance into a movement of hope. "Paint the Night Blue" is the perfect embodiment of that spirit. It’s a gala, sure, but it feels more like a family reunion where everyone happened to dress up.
Walking into the venue, you’re immediately struck by the atmosphere—the room is quite literally bathed in blue. A color that represents our law enforcement community and is a constant reminder of the high standard of service, duty, and loyalty they display every day. Live music sets a vibrant tempo for the evening, and the air is filled with laughter and high-spirited conversation that only happens when people are gathered for a cause they truly believe in.
Between the signature cocktails and the appetizers, there is a tangible sense of excitement, but there’s also a deep-rooted sense of purpose. This isn’t just a night of fun and elegance for the sake of a party. Every ticket sold and every toast raised serves as the fuel for the Hotsinpiller Foundation’s mission.
It is a part of the engine that powers the scholarship funds, providing the means for dozens of West Virginia students and law enforcement officers to pursue their educations. It is essential in building funds to aid families in their time of need when officers are injured or killed in the line of duty. It provides for agencies when public funds fall short. These simple yet critical goals are the least we can do for those who put their lives on the line daily as they serve and protect our communities.
When you see a detective finishing his degree because of this foundation, or a young student who embarks on a future in criminal justice because of a scholarship named after Derek and Jim, or listen to the gratitude of a stricken family after receiving a much-needed grant, you realize just what the Hotsinpiller Foundation is truly all about. We don’t just remember our heroes; we honor their sacrifices and those of their families, we provide for their safety, and invest in the futures of the people who will follow in their footsteps.
The gala has become a vital victory lap for the race weekend, a way to celebrate milestones— like reaching all 50 states and over 20 countries—while ensuring the financial foundation remains rock-solid for the years to come. It’s an evening where the stories of the past meet the potential of the future. It’s about the joy of the present, the music, and the fellowship, all working together to make sure the light of our "Fallen Stars" continues to shine on the next generation of law enforcement. We know that a legacy isn’t just a memory kept in a scrapbook; it’s a living, breathing thing that we have to nurture together.
Help Us Shine a Light
An evening as impactful as "Paint the Night Blue" is only possible through the incredible support of our local partners and neighbors. If you or your business would like to play a leading role in this legacy, I encourage you to consider becoming a sponsor. Your contribution doesn’t just help put on a first-class event; it directly funds the scholarships that are changing lives across our state.
To explore sponsorship levels and see how you can help us keep the stars shining, please visit thehotsinpillerfoundation.org. Let's paint the future blue together.
Help Us Paint the Night Blue
Be part of our enchanted evening as we "Paint the Night Blue.” Join us under the lights at The Enchanted Swan in Bridgeport from 7 p.m. to midnight on June 6. Enjoy live music, specialty cocktails, bourbon tastings, dancing, and great company, all while supporting a mission that strengthens our community and celebrates the heroes in blue.
Savor delectable bites, explore raffle baskets, and be part of an evening that blends fun, gratitude, and purpose. Every ticket and every moment shared helps us continue providing scholarships, community outreach, and acts of appreciation for law enforcement officers throughout the year.
To order your tickets to join us for this incredible evening, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/ en-US/ticketing/the-hotsinpiller-foundation-paint-the-night-blue-a-blue-night-out. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world — one dedicated to those who protect and serve. Let’s Paint the Night Blue!
