Voices of Hope 9th Annual Gratitude Banquet Fundraiser Gala

Healing & Hope: An Evening of Inspiration, Magic and Miracles

Friday, May 16, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 PM at the Singerly Fire Company in Elkton, MD 21921

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, celebration, and magic at “Healing & Hope: An Evening of Inspiration, Magic, and Miracles.”

This special fundraising event will bring together supporters, survivors, and advocates to celebrate the journey of recovery. Enjoy a delicious meal, hear powerful stories from guest speakers, and experience the mind-bending magic and wonder of Judge Mentalist.

Throughout the evening, we’ll honor outstanding individuals with awards for their dedication and impact, all while raising vital funds to support our mission. It’s a night to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and come together as a community to support those on the path to recovery.

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired, amazed, and part of something truly transformative. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at this link!

2024 AWARDEES

Cecil Recovery Champion Award: Lisa Fields

Since stepping into her role at Christiana Care Union Hospital, Lisa has been a driving force in bringing together key stakeholders and fostering collaboration. Her dedication has had a lasting impact on the recovery community and is helping to transform lives. Among her many accomplishments, Lisa played a pivotal role in expanding the Sustaining Peers in the Emergency Department program. By bringing Voices of Hope Peers on board until 1 a.m., she extended the program’s hours to 7 days a week. This initiative has thrived under her leadership and has already made a profound difference. Additionally, Lisa's tireless advocacy in bringing together essential partners to integrate Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) inductions at Union Campus has created an invaluable resource for individuals struggling with SUD, as well as their families. Her ability to unite various groups to create lasting, positive change has made a significant impact on the local recovery community.

Harford Recovery Champion Award: Delegate Andre V. Johnson, Jr.

Delegate Andre V. Johnson, Jr. is a dedicated public servant representing District 34A in the Maryland General Assembly since 2022, advocating for policies that drive meaningful change in education, healthcare, transportation, criminal justice, and environmental sustainability. Previously, he served as a Harford County Councilman (2018–2022), shaping policies, managing budgets, and overseeing public programs. His extensive career includes roles as a Special Investigator for Baltimore City Housing, a Public Safety Officer at Goucher College, a Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy, and a Baltimore City Police Officer, all shaped by his service as a United States Army veteran. A lifelong Harford County resident, he remains deeply connected to his community, actively engaging with constituents through town halls and collaborations with fellow lawmakers. Beyond politics, he has mentored youth as a basketball and football coach, instilling life skills and resilience. A proud father of five and grandfather of three, Delegate Johnson has been a steadfast advocate for recovery efforts, championing policies that support harm reduction, increase access to treatment, and reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders. His leadership and unwavering dedication continue to shape a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Maryland.

Volunteer of the Year Award: It’s a Surprise!

Every year, we honor an extraordinary individual whose unwavering dedication and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our organization and the people we serve. This award is a heartfelt recognition of the quiet heroes who go above and beyond, often behind the scenes, to make a difference. While their efforts may not always be in the spotlight, their passion, hard work, and compassion are truly invaluable to our mission. Tonight, we celebrate this special volunteer whose commitment embodies the heart of our cause and whose actions inspire us all to give back and make a difference.

Magical Performance by Judge Mentalist

Renowned for his unparalleled ability to read minds and astound audiences with his mentalism feats, has now ventured into the captivating realm of hypnosis. With his proven track record in the world of entertainment, Judge Mentalist has seamlessly merged his unique mind-reading talents with the power of hypnosis, creating an unforgettable experience for every spectator.

Sponsorships

Our event sponsors are absolutely vital to the success of this fundraiser and the future of our programs. This year, your sponsorship will directly contribute to raising the funds needed for much-needed repairs to our Men's Recovery House, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their journey to recovery. Sponsorships are not only an opportunity to support a meaningful cause but also to demonstrate your commitment to building a stronger, healthier community. By becoming a sponsor, you’re helping ensure that our Men's Recovery House remains a place of hope and healing for those who need it most. Together, we can make a lasting impact, and your support is essential in bringing this vision to life. Join us in being a partner for change and helping transform lives. Sign up to sponsor this event here!

Evening Agenda

5:30 pm: Doors open, networking, silent auction starts

6:00 pm: Welcome by Executive Director, dinner is served

6:30 pm: Opening remarks by Cecil County Executive Adam Streight

Opening Speaker: Kim Hamm

3 Awards

Closing Speaker: Sherry Matthews

8:00 - 8:15 pm: Intermission: Silent Auction Ends

8:15 - 9:00 pm: Entertainment: Judge Mentalist