As you’ll read about in this issue, we have several third-party fundraising events coming up, with golf and cornhole tournaments planned and hosted by some of our biggest supporters – K Hovnanian, Pulte, and Van Metre. All three have named HomeAid their beneficiary, which will directly support our operations and help fill gaps throughout the year. Operational support is extremely important to HomeAid because we are not a direct service organization and don’t qualify for most grant programs.

But there’s so much more to them that doesn’t always meet the eye. From my seat, I also see them as saving our small staff of five from what would require an unsustainable amount of planning, registration, and on-site logistics, allowing us to instead focus on the details of our building and renovation projects, events, and fundraisers like the Gala & Auction.

Through these events, people also find out about us and hear our name for what might be the very first time. This month, a little girl who had been listening to her dad talk about his company’s work with HomeAid decided to celebrate her birthday by hosting a bake sale and donating the proceeds to HomeAid.

I have no idea how many guests knew about HomeAid before these parties, but I know that they all know about us now. They’ve learned of our mission and who we serve, and for many of them, it may be the first time they’ve ever really understood how pervasive homelessness is in our communities. Multiply that by 10 or 300, year after year, and the impact of third-party events becomes, quite literally, eye-opening.

Best of all, every event of every size is equally important to us; whether the people hosting are grownups or kids, and whether the events are a sold-out golf tournament or a kid’s birthday party, we’re making connections where we didn’t have them before, and we’re making lasting impressions with people in our region. These events prove everyone can make a difference in their own way, and we are so grateful to the people who make HomeAid their charity of choice.

Last Saturday, we welcomed over 60 nonprofit partners, staff, and client families to Arts in the Park at Wolf Trap, where they were wowed by “The Amazing Max,” a master illusionist and magician. For many of our guests, it was their first visit to Wolf Trap’s Theater-in-the-Woods and the first time they’d experienced a live show – a gift we were pleased to be able to provide without the stress of “how will I pay for it?”

In addition to free admission, our guests enjoyed boxed lunches, each child in attendance received a brand-new backpack and families received a $50 gift card for school supplies.

Thank you to Lauren Vanni Kinard at First Excel Title, LLC and Patti Brownstein at PLB Promotions for sponsoring this event.

After hosting kids, parents, and nonprofit staff to Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, we sat down with Megan Kilpatrick, audience development manager for Wolf Trap, to learn more about her career with the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts. Find out how she helps share the magic of the arts with audiences of all ages!

Q: Why are the arts so important, particularly for kids and families?

A: When I attend community events, I often overhear people sharing stories with their children about their first concert experience or the shows they once saw at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. I too have strong and fond memories of early experiences with the arts, whether it was visiting a museum, being cast in a school play, or singing in a choral program. Attending a live performance allows anyone to completely immerse themselves in a moment that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. The Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods venue enables these special memories to be made between parents and their young children, who are just beginning to explore the arts world.

Q: What makes nonprofits good partners?

A: Wolf Trap Foundation is a non-profit and because of this, it’s important for us to align and partner with other non-profits that support and enrich each other’s missions. When working with community partners, it is imperative to ensure partnerships are inclusive, equitable, and offer mutually beneficial opportunities and experiences. HomeAid meets that goal: They’re wonderful to work with and offer marginalized families a chance to view a performance that they may never experience otherwise.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your role at Wolf Trap.

A: I joined Wolf Trap’s marketing and communications team in 2019. Prior to that, I worked in military health for the government, but I’ve always kept my foot in the arts. I spent several summers at Wolf Trap, working as a host in the Encore Lounge until a full-time position opened. I collaborate closely with our community through show-specific outreach and community events, and I really enjoy connecting with our partners, performers, and audiences.

Thank You for Your Support

Our enormous thanks to Gannett , who gifted HomeAid with $10,000. Donations of this size go a long way in supporting our mission, and we are grateful.

Partners of the Year

We were humbled and gratified to be honored in July – along with Builder Captain Merritt Construction – with House of Mercy’s Partners of the Year Award in recognition of our major renovation of their thrift store and food pantry. The project, which saved House of Mercy more than $85,000, allowed this nonprofit partner to better serve families who come in need of food and clothing, as well as those who aid their mission by dropping off donations.

Give Back with the Gala

There are countless ways to support HomeAid, and one of the most impactful is by volunteering with our Annual Gala & Auction Committee. As our largest fundraising event of the year, members are needed for every aspect of planning and bringing the event to life. Whether you love décor and design, themes, marketing campaigns, entertainment, raffle and auction procurement, as well as registration and logistics, we need you! Please contact Kristyn Burr to find out more.

Homemade for HomeAid

Kudos to Savvy, who selected HomeAid as the beneficiary of her charity bake sale! Savvy made the fundraiser the focus of her 6^th birthday party, and she and her friends sold homemade baked goods to guests and passersby – collecting a total of $350! Thank you for your donation and for setting such an incredible example, Savvy!