Britepaths Celebrates 40th Anniversary Gala, Raising Over $200,000 in Support
We proudly celebrated our 40th Anniversary Gala on Friday, September 30, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. The event brought together more than 240 guests, including community leaders, supporters, and beneficiaries, to commemorate four decades of impactful service and honor the theme of “Stronger Today. Brighter Tomorrow”.
The Washingtonian Ballroom was filled with inspiration and heartfelt stories highlighting Britepaths’ commitment to making a difference in the region. Esteemed speakers included Virginia House Delegate David Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine S. Read, all of whom praised the organization’s significant contributions to the community, specifically its dedication to stabilizing the lives of individuals and families and empowering them to build brighter futures.
A highlight of the evening was a dynamic spoken word and speed painting duet performed by Prince William County Poet Laureate Emerita Kim B Miller and award-winning multidisciplinary artist Kelly Haneklau. Their collaborative piece artistically depicted the journey of empowerment and hope that Britepaths fosters in the lives of those it serves.
Guest speaker Roshon Case-Lee, a client of Britepaths Financial Empowerment program, shared a powerful and moving testimony about her personal journey and how Britepaths has been instrumental in helping her family overcome challenges they faced during the pandemic. Her story resonated with many and underscored the vital importance of the organization’s holistic approach to stabilizing and empowering families.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, Britepaths 40th Anniversary activities and events generated over $200,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. These funds will support programs focused on financial education, workforce development, and emergency assistance for Northern Virginia families and individuals in need. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past 40 years,” said Lisa Whetzel, Executive Director of Britepaths. “This gala was not just a celebration of our history but a testament to the collective effort of our community to empower our neighbors towards self-sufficiency and a brighter future.”
