UCM will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to the community throughout 2019. Honorary 50th Celebration Co-Chair Addy Krizek (center) is joined by (from left): Ken Disselkoen, UCM board chair; Tom Curcio and Elin Bohn, UCM board members and 50th Celebration co-chairs; and Alison DeCourcey, UCM executive director. Photo contributed
The Friends of UCM hosted the 27th annual Capitol Steps UCM Benefit on Sunday, Nov. 18, in the Madison Auditorium at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Old Town Alexandria.
The Friends of UCM, a group of volunteers, provide fundraising and community outreach support to UCM. The benefit raised nearly $80,000 to support vulnerable individuals, families, and children in southeastern Fairfax County.
Close to 350 guests enjoyed an evening with friends and colleagues, including state Sen. Scott Surovell, Del. Paul Krizek, and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck. The Title Sponsor was community members Doug and Eileen Kennett, and the Diamond Sponsor was AT&T.
“Poverty is no laughing matter for so many in our community, but we always appreciate the entertainment and laughter that the Capitol Steps group brings us every year to raise critical funds to empower our neighbors in need to transform their lives,” said Alison DeCourcey, UCM executive director. “We are grateful to The Friends of UCM and to our sponsors who make this event possible. Thank you to all our caring community members who support UCM in so many ways to make our programs available to our neighbors in abject poverty. Each and every one of you here help to transform lives,” she added. The full list of more than 45 event sponsors is available on the UCM website at ucmagency.org.
DeCourcey also made note of UCM’s 50th anniversary in 2019 by announcing Addy Krizek, former UCM volunteer development director and UCM board member, and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, former UCM board member, as honorary co-chairs of the 50th Anniversary Celebration. A series of mission-oriented activities are being planned to ensure that as many members of the UCM community can share in the celebration throughout 2019.
“For nearly 50 years, UCM’s programs and services have been changing lives for the better every day,” said DeCourcey. “We envision a community where everyone thrives. There is still much work to be done. There is tremendous economic disparity and inequity across the region. Nowhere is that more prevalent than along the Route 1 Corridor. UCM can do so much more with community support. We invite all community members to join us at the heart of community.”
For more information about UCM’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, contact Arleen Ramirez Borysiewicz, UCM director of development, at arleen.borysiewicz@ucmagency.org.