San Mar Family & Community Services is pleased to announce plans for a gala fundraising event at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The vision for this unique evening is to offer an upscale, yet family-friendly dinner event designed to inspire attendees of every age to never stop dreaming.

Our celebrity chef and keynote presenter, Father Leo Patalinghug, is an award-winning chef best known for his win on Food Network’s “Throwdown! With Bobby Flay”. Father Leo will provide an entertaining food demonstration of our dinner preparation and lead attendees through an interactive dessert creation.

In addition, recording artist Mario Bonds, will provide words of hope and perform a few songs to close the evening.  Known from his appearance on NBC’s “The Glee Project”, Mr. Bonds developed his love of music as a way to overcome many personal hardships, including going completely blind at age 10. Bonds not only is an accomplished musician; he is an adoptive father to four sons from the foster care system; his story is sure to inspire.

In addition to the powerful event program, attendees will be treated to a professional family photo, have an opportunity to purchase exceptional auction opportunities and major raffle prizes along with many other activities. All event proceeds will benefit San Mar services to children and families and local neighborhoods as we work to keep dreams alive for children who have experienced trauma or families that have undergone tremendous adversity.

“Once we know that basic needs are met, working with families to identify and progress toward individual dreams is a powerful way to cultivate hope and build strong communities. When we have a vision for our future, and have the support to take the steps to get there, anything is possible. Dreams are not an altruistic idea; they are a real strategy when we move towards that vision with action, the same action we want for own children.”—Keith Fanjoy, CEO

 San Mar Family and Community Services is a nationally recognized child welfare organization, whose mission is “Cultivating Hope and Well-Being in Children, Families and Communities” has been serving the Washington County, Maryland and beyond since 1883. Services are provided through San Mar Treatment Foster Care, the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health services, and Bester Community of Hope prevention programs.

Gala tickets as well as Signature Raffle Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 1^st. Event details, including ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities can be found here: https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/DreamGala

Media inquiries and event questions – Contact Elisa Hermes at [email protected]