PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leah Garrett, VP Development and Communications
Lgarrett@cohdc.org | 202.407.7780
The annual gala brought together leaders and changemakers and raised over $500,000 to end homelessness and improve health in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, DC, October 7, 2024 – On Friday, October 5, a vibrant “Community of Hope” gathered at the 2024 Night of Hope: IMAGINE, where donors, clients, volunteers, sponsors, staff, and business leaders united to envision a healthier, more equitable Washington, DC. The annual event raised over $500,000 to support Community of Hope’s critical work to end homelessness and improve health throughout the city.
Held at the stunning InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf, the waterfront venue provided an inspiring backdrop for an evening of reflection, celebration, and imagination for the future. The theme, IMAGINE, underscored the power of collective action and belief in a brighter tomorrow for all.
This year’s Night of Hope was hosted by Delia Goncalves, a six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and Vice President of External Affairs at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), who guided attendees through an evening filled with inspiration. The event highlighted how each individual’s contribution, from giving to volunteering, plays a pivotal role in supporting the mission.
Tytiana Johnson, a special client guest speaker, shared her powerful journey and the transformational impact Community of Hope has had on her life from childhood to a mother of two. Her story reminded everyone of the importance of imagining new possibilities and the power of hope in overcoming adversity.
During the event’s Give Hope Moment, attendees exceeded the $125,000 challenge grant, securing funds that will directly impact the lives of families in need by providing safe housing, maternal and child health services, and critical healthcare.
“We gathered with a shared vision of what Washington, DC can be—a place where everyone is healthy, housed, and hopeful,” said Kelly Sweeney McShane, President and CEO of Community of Hope. “Thanks to the generosity of so many, from small gifts to major contributions, we are one step closer to realizing this dream.”
The event was made possible by the support of Amazon, the Innovator sponsor, and 32 other sponsors who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing health equity and supporting families experiencing homelessness.
Night of Hope: IMAGINE sponsors include:
- Innovator Sponsor: Amazon
- Activator Sponsors: McAllister & Quinn; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Fidelis Care of New Jersey and Centene;
- Energizer Sponsors: Bloomberg Philanthropies, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, City First Bank, Horning Management, KPMG, Lockton Companies, Sibley Memorial Hospital
- Mobilizer Sponsors: Amerigroup District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia, Capital City Protective Solutions, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, MedStar Family Choice DC, National Cooperative Bank, William C. Smith & Co, United Bank, USI Insurance
- Influencer Sponsors: Commercial Real Estate Advisors; Henry’s Soul Café; Hunton Andrews Kurth; Montage Development; Sara and Peter O’Keefe; Orchid Affairs Wedding & Event Planning; Palm Facility Services; Pontius Tax Law PLLC; SB and Company; United Healthcare Community Healthplan; Visionary Eye Doctors; Kevin and Julie Willard
With the funds raised at Night of Hope: IMAGINE, Community of Hope will continue to make a profound impact throughout 2024, serving over 1,700 families and individuals experiencing homelessness and providing quality healthcare to about 16,000 patients across the District.
To relive the incredible moments from this year’s event, view our photo gallery here.
About Community of Hope
Founded in 1980, Community of Hope is a rapidly growing, innovative, and mission-driven nonprofit. Our team of over 400 caring, dedicated staff members provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services to make Washington, DC more equitable. We operate three community health centers that provide medical, dental, and emotional wellness as well as extensive patient support services which reached 15,785 people in 2023. We also work to end and prevent family homelessness in Washington, DC and are unique in providing all services along the homelessness continuum, having impacted 1,525 families and 210 individuals in 2023.
