Plans are underway for Union Mission’s 3rd Annual Raising Hope event, which will be held on Wednesday, May 9th, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. David Paddison, President of Sterling Seacrest Partners, was recently named as Honorary Chair and Ann A. Stephens, a project manager with the local firm of Cowart Group, Architects, is the 2018 Event Chair. The presenting sponsor, with a $15,000 contribution, is Georgia Ports Authority.

“This is an amazing opportunity to come together as a community and make a real difference in the lives of those working to leave homelessness behind them,” said Stephens. “We’ve already sold more than 380 tickets.  I’m sure this will be the biggest and best Raising Hope to date.”

This year’s event is expected to boast over 400 business and community leaders from the Coastal Empire. Proceeds from Raising Hope allow Union Mission to fund much needed assistance and services for our homeless population. These include short and long-term housing, mental health counseling, career development and much more.

Paddison notes, “Raising Hope is a chance to engage our community in a dialogue about the issue of homelessness in the greater Savannah area.  As a board member and volunteer with Union Mission, I have seen firsthand the vital role this organization plays in the lives of our community’s homeless population.”

The evening program will consist of a cocktail hour, dinner, and raffle prizes, while featuring stories of those whose lives have been changed by the support they received through Union Mission. Keynote speaker, Hallie Lord, will also share her personal story of hope and resilience.