More than 600 people from throughout Eastern Jackson County and beyond came to celebrate local philanthropy and the remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations that contribute to making our community a great place to live, work, and serve. 

Each year, the Toast to Our Towns Gala showcases individuals dedicated to philanthropy and community service. Whether it's through lifelong careers and volunteer work focused on education, like Doug and Helen Hatridge; helping people facing addiction and homelessness realize their worth, like Bobby Himes; or fighting to give a voice to our dishonored and displaced neighbors of color, like Alversia Pettigrew, the event was a night of unity, hope, and a shared vision for a brighter future for all. This year's event was a vibrant display of community spirit and support, with guests coming together from throughout the metro to honor the tireless efforts of those dedicated to uplifting our towns.

The highlights of the evening were most definitely the recognition of our 2024 Citizens of the Year, Craig Bolger as the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year, Child Abuse Prevention Association as the Heartland Service Award honoree, CommunityAmerica Credit Union as Corporate Citizen of the Year, and Humanitarian of the Year, Doug and Helen Hatridge. These honorees were chosen for their significant contributions to the community. 

At the Gala, Phil Hanson, President and CEO, announced a new foundation initiative to address the lack of affordable housing in the communities we serve. This important initiative was born out of extensive needs assessments that revealed the challenges faced by many in accessing affordable housing. The gala provided a platform to shed light on this crucial issue and introduce everyone to the Foundation’s plan to have a positive impact on this important local issue. You can read more about this unique way to address the issue in our article about impact investing. 

For those who couldn't attend the gala, the foundation website offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the festivities from the comfort of your own home or office. You can watch inspiring videos about the honorees and flip through the captivating event pictures from the Citizens’ Reception and Gala. However, it is hard to capture the positive vibe of the evening and the fun and lively atmosphere that filled the ballroom. We hope you can join us next year, on September 20, 2025, for the 30th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala so you can experience this celebration of philanthropy firsthand.