WASHINGTON, DC, September 30, 2022 – Community of Hope celebrated its clients, volunteers, sponsors, and donors at its annual Night of Hope. This year’s theme of Together Again rang true throughout the evening as party attendees embraced and rejoiced at being back in person for the first time since 2019. The event, sponsored by Lockton Insurance and 29 other generous sponsors (see full list here), was held at the Potomac View Terrace at the American Pharmacists Association. The venue boasted breathtaking views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and National Mall, while participants collectively raised more than $420,000 to improve health and end family homelessness in Washington, DC.
The event included the Director of Ceremonies, Jenn White, Host of 1A from WAMU & NPR, and more than 350 business leaders, city officials, and community supporters gathered for a celebration that included an inspiring program highlighting the impact of what we can achieve together and a special “Give Hope” moment.
Event host committee co-chairs, Lisa and David Madden along with Ray and Jen Martz, successfully led the 2022 Night of Hope Host Committee. The program featured an honored guest, Ms. Sherry Williams, who bravely shared her story about overcoming obstacles with the help of Community of Hope, and Kelly Sweeney McShane, President, and CEO of Community of Hope, who shared her vision for the organization to continue to impact through health and housing. The event culminated in a stirring “Give Hope” moment where guests raised paddles to donate funds toward specific services, such as providing a hope-filled future for all Washingtonians, a safe place to sleep, and smiles that create opportunities.
The organization also honored volunteer, Caty Poulin, with the 2022 Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service for her 16 years of visionary partnership and celebrated the 2021 Tom Nees Award recipient, Rob Huey. The award, given in honor of the founder, Tom Nees, recognizes its recipients for their long-standing, deeply impacting service to the mission of the organization.
“The pandemic only highlighted many of the inequities that our patients, clients, and community face,” says Kelly Sweeney McShane. “I’m encouraged to have such a strong community of support of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests that see and support the impact that we can make collectively. Together, we are innovating and partnering to better support DC residents,” adds Kelly Sweeney McShane, President, and CEO of Community of Hope.
With this support, the organization will serve over 1,200 families experiencing homelessness and over 13,000 patients in 2022.
Event photos may be enjoyed here.
