Things might have looked a little different this year, but we’re so proud of our Miriam’s Kitchen community for coming together last week for the 2021 Mission Critical Gala! More than 270 of you joined us online to celebrate our guests, partners, and individuals who are affecting change in our communities to end chronic and veteran homelessness.
Some of the highlights from the evening include:
Thanks and Appreciation
Chef Cheryl Bell thanked the incredible volunteers who have helped keep our meal services going and our teams strong during the pandemic.
Tom Sietsema, Food Critic with The Washington Post, called Miriam’s Kitchen one of his favorite dining places in Washington, DC.
Honoring Leaders
Change Honoree Commissioner Geoffrey Starks of the Federal Communications Commission thanked our guest Mr. Joseph, who painted his award, which included a lighthouse. “Miriam’s Kitchen is an organization that I hold close to my heart because it provides respite and support to members of our community to individuals experiencing homelessness in DC. You are the lighthouse for so many.”
Remembering Rhonda Whitaker and Waldon Adams
We mourned the loss of Rhonda Whitaker, the Dignity Honoree, and Waldon Adams, our inaugural Advocacy Fellow, with a touching tribute from our Advocacy team.
Inspirational Performances
Church DaPoet of The Poet Life and musicians of The Kennedy Center Opera House provided inspirational words and music to leave us with the hope and motivation needed to achieve our vision of ending chronic homelessness in D.C.
We’re so grateful for our Miriam’s Kitchen community, and events like last week’s gala show exactly why we are! Together, we will continue to create a stronger, kinder community where every person has a safe, permanent place to call home.
