Union Mission will host its 11th Annual Raising Hope on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Savannah Convention Center. Presented by Oliver Maner LLP and the Georgia Ports Authority, the event will be emceed by Rabbi Robert Haas, Leader of Congregation Mickve Israel, with special guest emcee Emma Hamilton, WJCL Anchor/Reporter, and Fund the Mission emcee Dean Crownover, Benefit Auction Specialist. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., featuring international travel silent auction items by AmFund, followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 p.m., featuring the SCAD Bee Sharps.

“Raising Hope is one of the most meaningful nights of the year for Union Mission – an opportunity for our community to come together and invest in real, lasting pathways out of homelessness,” said Bill Hutner, Union Mission Board Chair and partner at Oliver Maner, LLP. “We’re honored to welcome a speaker whose story reflects the resilience and possibility we see every day in the lives Union Mission serves.”

The program will feature keynote speaker Janie Deegan, a New York–born baker and founder of Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods. Her journey – from addiction and homelessness to building four community-focused bakeries in New York City – reflects her belief in second chances, purpose, and the power of connection.

 

Honorary sponsors supporting Union Mission’s new Resource Center include Ms. Brenda Gaines, J.C. Lewis Foundation, Parker’s Community Foundation, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.

In 2025, Union Mission served 2,319 individuals with 189,580 nights of housing and 268,437 meals. Through our programs and supportive services, we helped transition 734 men, women, and children from the streets of Savannah to safe, stable housing. Proceeds from Raising Hope will support Union Mission’s work to partner with people to end their homelessness.