Thank you to all who attended the 2026 Penn-Mar Human Services 34th Annual Gala! We are excited to share that our Special Appeal didn’t just reach its goal — it surpassed it. With your incredible support and a generous $200,000 matching gift from The Kahlert Foundation, the appeal raised $416,000, contributing to an overall Gala total of $765,000 and counting.
We’re excited to share the why behind the Gala – the people we support! This year’s 2026 Special Appeal video featured just 5 of the many remarkable people we support at Penn-Mar in our mission to live courageously. We couldn’t be more grateful to Bill, Saar, Amanda, Joe, and Dave for sharing their stories of what that looks like for them!
Gifts to our Special Appeal will go towards our Washington Heights renovation to reduce waitlists, expand services, and include a groundbreaking Smart Kitchen. We’re so grateful to the Kahlert Foundation for their generosity and the care that Greg Kahlert pours into his community, and we’re honored to be able to recognize his impact!
Penn-Mar Human Services is proud to announce that our 2026 Distinguished Humanitarian Award Honoree is The Kahlert Foundation. Under the leadership of President and CEO Greg Kahlert, the Foundation has made a lasting impact on countless lives through its extraordinary generosity and commitment to strengthening communities across Maryland and Utah. From advancing education and healthcare to championing causes that uplift individuals and families, The Kahlert Foundation’s legacy of philanthropy reflects Penn-Mar’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageously.
Every dollar donated toward the Washington Heights building renovation in Westminster, MD will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $200,000, thanks to a generous challenge grant from The Kahlert Foundation.