Heeding the call to support PHC, guests enthusiastically and generously participated in Raise the Paddle.
Thursday, September 21, Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) held its 5th annual Night of Hope fundraising event. The gathering welcomed both old and new friends and supporters who came together to support PHC’s mission of providing affordable housing, circles of support, and companionship to the most vulnerable members of our society.
Robie Flanagan, PHC’s board president, kicked off the event’s program by welcoming the guests and thanking the event’s sponsors and community partners for making the evening possible before inviting PHC’s executive director, Padrica Hoffman, to the stage.
Night of Hope guests honoring Dr. Maxine Mimms for her lifetime achievements in education, service, and advocacy.
Padrica opened her remarks by honoring guest Dr. Maxine Mimms, a pillar in the community and the founder of Evergreen State College in Tacoma, WA., for her lifelong dedication to meeting the educational needs of urban African-American adult learners. The audience joined in the honor with a standing ovation for Dr. Mimms.
During her speech, Padrica highlighted PHC’s unique solution to social isolation, its Companionship program, which is based on Craig Rennebohm’s companionship model of walking alongside someone and providing the gift of time and presence. Before making her appeal for financial support and inviting Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong to the stage, Padrica shared that PHC is committed more than ever to advocating for mental health care policies and legislation that prioritize the fundamental need for companionship and the healing power of community.
Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong’s address highlighted the City's efforts to create comprehensive and compassionate strategies for dealing with mental health issues and homelessness. He emphasized the importance of building connections and relationships among people, as this promotes their well-being and success. He stated that policies alone cannot achieve this goal. Expressing his gratitude towards PHC, he then applauded the unique approach of PHC in providing residents with a sense of belonging and healing, which he had personally observed during his visit to the Argonaut.
Night of Hope guests from Horizon House enjoying the evening.
Mr. Wong was followed by Ashley, who was the emcee of the event. Ashley invited Jessie, a resident of PHC's Argonaut House, to come up on stage. During an interview-style conversation, the audience had the opportunity to get to know Jessie and learn about her two-and-a-half years of experience. She expressed gratitude towards Plymouth Healing Communities for providing her with a safe and stable place to live.
Jessie also shared how having a companion, participating in community activities, and interacting with the staff have positively impacted her life. When asked about her hopes for PHC, Jessie replied that there are still many people in need of assistance, and by supporting PHC, more people can receive the help that PHC offers. She thanked the guests for supporting her and many others who still need healing.
After thanking Jessie, Ashely invited the audience to watch a brief video highlighting Plymouth Healing Communities’ companion program, which is at the crux of what makes Plymouth Healing Communities so unique.
Press the play arrow to view PHC’s Night of Hope Companionship Video.
Following the video, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Senior Pastor of Church, UCC, and the evening’s keynote speaker, started her spirit-filled speech by quoting Michael J. Graham, a Jesuit priest and educator. She stated, "Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” She further emphasized that Night of Hope was an opportunity to contribute towards the healing of the city of Seattle. She believes that PHC makes prayers real for a more just and compassionate world by building a transformative community for those experiencing mental illness and homelessness, providing hope and sustenance.
She shared that one of the primary reasons she was drawn to Plymouth Church was its association with Plymouth Healing Communities. As someone passionate about helping individuals who are homeless, she sought to be part of a church that intentionally partnered with organizations like PHC because PHC is an innovative, effective, and necessary organization that helps address the issue of homelessness. While reaffirming the covenant between Plymouth Church United Church of Christ and Plymouth Healing Communities, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown praised Padrica for her compassionate, innovative, and wise leadership. She also expressed her belief that Padrica, as executive director, ensures that PHC is set up for success.
Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown ended her remarks by inviting everyone to give the gift they had planned and then give more, “for God is a God of abundance who walks, dances, strides through you to create mercy, peace, and justice for the least among us. On this Night of Hope, may we all stand with Plymouth Healing Communities, which exists to prove what Cornell West said is true: “Justice is what love looks like in public.”
If you want to learn more about Plymouth Healing Communities and our programs, visit our website. And if you were unable to attend this year’s Night of Hope, it’s not too late to support our work. You can make your gift here.
Thank you for standing with us to help the most vulnerable among us.
“It touched me so deeply last night to attend the Plymouth Healing Community fundraiser. I thought it would be like “every other” fundraiser, but it was beyond powerful to hear their Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, and Reverend Dr. Kelle J. Brown. My goodness, the power of their words and actions that back up what they say. My sisters from HeartBeat were there with me. The love and unity of Black women is so nurturing and safe. I relished every moment. Thank you, Dr. Stefani Renee, for your Board service and for bringing this organization to our attention.”
Cindi Bright and her HeartBeat sisters Stefani Coverson, Erin Jones, and Dr. Karen Johnson having fun in the photo booth.
Thank you to our 2023 Night of Hope Sponsors.
Alex Dobbs and Camilo Hart, NOH Guests from Horizon House.
