20th Anniversary Gala - April 8

Now that we have caught our breath, we wanted to give you an update about SMGW's tremendously successful 20th Anniversary Gala. See photos from the Gala.

First, and most importantly, we want to thank our Gala Committee including our Gala Chair, Randi Nordeen. Carla Durney, our 20th Anniversary Chair, handled all the logistics for the event. The Gala Committee also includes Jonathon Barton, who was in charge of the raffle, keeping track of all the raffle packages and captains. Kristin Queen managed the live and silent auctions. She worked diligently to secure the donations and coordinate all the necessary details. Carolyn Peirce worked with our graphic designer on the invitations and posters and created the live auction posters. Melissa Peterson worked with the caterer and was responsible for our food and beverages. Jared Hughes coordinated our volunteers. Carol MacLean, with help from Marty Jewett, set the ambiance, handling the decorations including selecting and arranging the beautiful flowers. Doug Jerger, Bentley Gregg, Elizabeth Hendricks, Leslie Schaefer, and John Michael Sophos were also on the Gala Committee and played vital roles in the success of this event.

We are especially grateful for the opportunity to recognize the good work of Jack Woodard, Carter Echols, Frank and Mary Wade, and the Fannie Mae Foundation.

We also want to thank all of our day of event volunteers including those who set up, cleaned up, served drinks, worked the registration table, and did a variety of other tasks. We are thankful to all of the live and silent auction donors as well as the SMGW Board members who donated raffle items and money for the purchase of these items. We are thankful for all of our financial supporters, including those giving at the Patron, Benefactor, Supporter, and Friends levels. We are thankful to all those who made donations of beer, wine, flowers, and other "in-kind donation" items. We are thankful to each and every one of you that came to the Gala and joined in the fun!

More then 265 people attended SMGW's 20th Anniversary Gala and the event raised close to $75,000.

The Gala was wonderful because of all the hard work and participation from so many. It was truly a team effort of a large group of talented, committed, and giving people. Although many of us come from different walks of lives and backgrounds we are all united on our desire to follow God and help our neighbors in need. One of our Gala honorees sent us letter after the Gala and said SMGW is "a singular organization representing the very best of the mission responsibility of the Episcopal Church."…And stating: "The triumph (of the Gala) was really a witness, (and) might well seed victory by the forces of reconciliation and unity."

Some photos showing the highlights follow:

Photos by Robert E. Graf

David Downes,

Executive Director,
Samaritan Ministry

WTOP Report on April 10

Gala Honorees,
The Reverend Frank
and Mrs. Mary Wade

Frank Wade

David Downes,

Carolyn Peirce,
Board President

Donna Purchase

Donna Purchase,
accepts award on behalf of Fannie Mae Foundation

David Downes and honoree, Jack Woodard

The Reverend Jack Woodard, Founding Rector of Samaritan Ministry

David Downes,
and
former Executive Director,
Carter Echols

Canon R. Carter Echols

David Downes
and
guest participant speaker,
Terry Hayes

Terry Hayes

Immediate Past Board President,
Gary Franklin

Food by Fresh Start

The Right Reverend
Jane Holmes Dixon
and
David Dixon

The Rt. Reverend Jane Holmes Dixon

20th Anniversary Gala
Auctioneer

Board Member Elizabeth Taylor checks winning live auction bid with Carol Burroughs

The Rev. Frank Wade

20th Anniversary Gala
Auctioneer

Bo Razak poised to capture winning bids in the live auction

Parish Partner Betsy Finley
encourages the crowd during the live auction bidding

Sweet Success!!

Guest David Manning wins the bidding!

Left to Right:

Carla Durney,
Chair, Gala Steering Committee

Randi Nordeen,
Chair, Gala Committee

Diane Aten,
Director of Development

DC Lottery Board Rep,

Partner Parish and Gala Raffle Coordinator Rep. Jonathon Barton and
SMGW Executive Director pull the winning raffle tickets