Give From The Heart Gala Raises Nearly $190K for Families in Need

From UCM: On Saturday, May 6, The Friends of UCM hosted the 2017 Give From The Heart Gala at the US Patent & Trademark Office. The signature event raised nearly $190,000 for United Community Ministries, Inc. (UCM) to create brighter futures for families and children in need.

David Culver of NBC4 Washington emceed the evening’s festivities, which included silent and live auctions, the presentation of the inaugural UCM Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award, a heart-warming testimonial from a former UCM client, and dancing

“This is a celebration of all those who have come before us over the past 48 years to support people in need,” Ken Disselkoen, Chair of the UCM Board of Directors, told the crowd of several hundred guests and community leaders. “UCM is a gift to the community. The Board and UCM team take our role as stewards of this gift – your gift from the heart – very seriously. Together we change lives to bring families out of poverty and empower them to thrive.”

“We are grateful for the energy and creativity of The Friends of UCM,” says UCM Executive Director, Alison DeCourcey. “We especially thank Elin Bohn, President of The Friends, and gala co-chairs, Donna Jarvis-Miller and Margaret Murphy, for their hard work. The Friends have raised more than $2.5 million for UCM since 2001. Thanks to them and to all of our generous sponsors, supporters, and guests for making this evening a success.”

Gerry Hyland, retired Fairfax County Mount Vernon District Supervisor, was honored with the inaugural UCM Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award, recognizing those who have demonstrate a commitment to the prosperity of our community.

Guests also heard from a former UCM client who shared her personal journey to financial stability and success. Monica lit up the room with her inspiring story. “UCM opened the doors for me and my young daughter. UCM was the only organization that believed in me and gave me the support I needed when I left my abusive marriage. I left everything I owned behind and came to UCM so that I could get back on my feet. Today I have a job in my chosen career. I no longer need subsidies to afford my apartment or to pay tuition for my daughter at the UCM Early Learning Center. We are in a good place thanks to UCM and to you.”

“The success of Monica and others like her starts with the support of a caring community,” says DeCourcey. “UCM is here because we care about families and children. Our goal is to break the generational cycle of poverty. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, together we can empower and transform the lives of people like Monica and build a stronger community for us all.”

Photos courtesy of UCM