Posted on March 28, 2025
L-R: Penn-Mar partner, Anita Alvare, Jackie Summers, and Kari Ebeling attending the 2025 Penn-Mar Gala.
When I joined Penn-Mar last September as Director of Development & Special Events, I knew I was stepping into a role with a cherished legacy. For 11 years, Jackie Summers poured her heart into making Penn-Mar’s Gala a premier event—one that not only raises critical funds but also brings together a passionate and generous community. I knew I had big shoes to fill, and I was honored that Jackie agreed to work alongside me through this transition until her full retirement following our 33rd Annual Gala on March 1st.
Jackie did more than just share her deep knowledge of Penn-Mar’s mission and approach—she ensured a seamless handoff, introducing me to the incredible sponsors, donors, and volunteers who make this event possible. Her guidance and generosity of spirit have been invaluable, and as she embarks on this next chapter, we celebrate all that she has done to build and sustain this event’s success.
My own journey in nonprofit development has come full circle with Penn-Mar. From my early days at The Arc of Howard County, where I helped lead their fundraising efforts, to overseeing large-scale endurance events at the Columbia Triathlon Association, to almost a decade at Howard Community College’s Education Foundation raising scholarship funds and strengthening donor partnerships, my career has been about bringing people together for causes that matter. Taking on this role at Penn-Mar felt like a natural next step, and now, after experiencing my first Gala, I feel even more deeply connected to this extraordinary mission.
On March 1st, as the elevator doors opened at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre and nearly 500 guests arrived, I felt the anticipation, energy, and overwhelming support that define this event. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, this year’s Gala raised nearly $575,000 (and counting!), ensuring life-changing opportunities for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support.
A highlight of the evening was when Greg Miller, our President and CEO, presented the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award to Tyler Superczynski, a young man whose passion for lacrosse led him to create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the joy of the sport. We also had the honor of recognizing Jeff and Cindy Lobach as our 2025 Distinguished Humanitarian Award Honorees, in recognition of their unwavering commitment to service and leadership, which has made a profound impact both locally and internationally.
Every event has its own unique heartbeat, and what makes Penn-Mar’s Gala truly special is the people behind it—the honorees, sponsors, guests, and volunteers whose dedication transforms this evening into something far greater than just a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of community, impact, and the shared belief that every person deserves the chance to live courageously in pursuit of their best life.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to build new relationships, deepen existing ones, and continue ensuring that Penn-Mar’s Gala remains more than just a spectacular evening—it’s a force for change. To everyone who contributed to this year’s success: thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission, and I am honored to continue this journey with you.
Here’s to many more years of making an impact—together.