FROM ADVERSITY TO HOPE: AN EVENING OF IMPACT

GAUDENZIA’S SIGNATURE EVENT IN PHILADELPHIA

Join us for a night that celebrates resilience, recovery, and second chances.

APRIL 16, 2026 | 4:30 – 7:30 PM

Gaudenzia’s From Adversity to Hope is more than an event—it’s a celebration of second chances and a call to action. This annual gathering brings together community leaders, advocates, donors, alumni, and partners to illuminate real stories of courage and transformation. Every moment of the evening reinforces our mission: recovery is possible, and hope changes lives.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING:

Keynote Conversation with Darryl Strawberry — Eight‑Time MLB All‑Star & Four-Time World Series Champion

Darryl Strawberry—one of the most electrifying talents in Major League Baseball—joins us for an unforgettable keynote conversation about redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of faith. Over a 17‑season career with the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers, he won four World Series championships and became a household name.

Behind the fame, however, Strawberry battled addiction, personal turmoil, and the relentless pressures of success. His path to healing began when he confronted the emptiness behind achievement, ultimately finding purpose in a renewed spiritual life shaped by his mother’s prayers and his wife Tracy’s steadfast example. Today, Strawberry speaks nationwide, transforming his past struggles into a message of hope. His candid reflections on identity, surrender, and recovery offer powerful insights for anyone navigating adversity. His story reminds us that redemption is real—and that faith, resilience, and community can lead to lasting restoration.

Honoring Our 2026 Community Champions

At From Adversity to Hope: An Evening of Impact, we will proudly recognize two extraordinary leaders whose careers exemplify courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening communities. Their impact reflects the very heart of Gaudenzia’s mission: uplifting lives, improving community well‑being, and creating pathways to hope.

Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP — Founder & Principal, The Rush Group, LLC

Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP, is a nationally recognized leader in law enforcement and public safety with more than 45 years of service. As Founder and Principal of The Rush Group, LLC, she continues to influence safety strategy across sectors. For 27 years, she served as Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of the Penn Police at the University of Pennsylvania, overseeing eight departments, managing a $45M budget, and leading more than 700 combined personnel. Prior to her tenure at Penn, she broke new ground in the Philadelphia Police Department as one of the first 100 women hired for street patrol through a pioneering U.S. Department of Justice initiative. She holds an M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. Maureen’s career reflects a legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment to community well‑being—values that resonate deeply with Gaudenzia’s mission.

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Richard L. Snyder, M.D. — Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Independence Health Group

Richard Snyder, M.D., is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Independence Health Group, the parent company of Independence Blue Cross. A physician leader committed to advancing equitable, whole‑person health, Dr. Snyder helps shape strategies that strengthen care delivery, support physicians and health systems, and improve health outcomes for communities across the region. His work reflects a deep belief that access, compassion, and collaboration are essential to better health for all. As COO, he oversees government markets, operations, technology, marketing, public affairs, and sales.

Dr. Snyder is deeply engaged in community service, serving on the boards of HealthShare Exchange of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Horizons Greater Philadelphia, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and Tandigm Health, and as an advocate for Hands‑Only CPR education. He is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and a board‑certified family physician.

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Cheryl Dondero, MHS — VP of Government Affairs, Gaudenzia

Cheryl Dondero brings both professional leadership and personal experience to her role as Gaudenzia’s Vice President of Government Affairs. Since joining the organization in 2019, she has led efforts to strengthen relationships with regulatory agencies, provider associations, funders, and referral partners—advancing policies and partnerships that expand access to recovery.

Her career spans more than three decades in Pennsylvania’s public health and human services systems, including serving as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and leading Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Services. She also served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws.

Cheryl’s connection to Gaudenzia is deeply personal. As someone whose own recovery journey was shaped by the organization, she brings a perspective that is both grounded and powerful. Her story reflects the very heart of From Adversity to Hope—that recovery is possible, and that with the right support, lives can be rebuilt.

Through her work and her advocacy, Cheryl continues to ensure that others have access to the same opportunities for healing that changed her life.

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WHY ATTEND?

Your presence helps fund programs that provide:

• Dignity Essentials through the Center for Good
• Client Milestone Celebrations
• Healing-Centered Enhancements to residential environments

Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation fuels hope for thousands of individuals and families rebuilding their lives.

Kindly Reply by April 1, 2026.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

From Adversity to Hope 2026 would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Your commitment helps us champion recovery, dignity, and second chances for individuals and families across our communities.

Because of your support, we can provide essential resources, celebrate milestones, and create healing-centered environments that empower people to rebuild their lives.

Together, we are turning adversity into hope—and making a lasting impact that ripples far beyond this evening.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in hope.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PARTNER WITH PURPOSE: SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR FROM ADVERSITY TO HOPE

Why Sponsor?

Your brand becomes part of a movement that champions recovery, dignity, and second chances. Sponsorships provide visibility, engagement, and direct impact on programs that help individuals and families rebuild their lives.

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP PACKET

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!

SPREAD THE WORD, SPREAD THE HOPE!

We’ve made it simple for you to share the Evening of Impact with your networks. Use the examples below to engage your colleagues, friends, and family on email & LinkedIn.

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Feel free to use this email sample to save time and ensure consistent messaging. Tailor it to your voice and be sure to include why Gaudenzia and its mission is important to you!

Subject: Join Us for From Adversity to Hope 2026

I’m excited to share an opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Gaudenzia will host its 2nd Annual From Adversity to Hope: An Evening of Impact at The Union League in Philadelphia.

This inspiring event celebrates resilience and second chances through powerful storytelling, honoree recognition, and a keynote conversation with Darryl Strawberry, MLB legend and advocate for recovery.

Your participation helps fund programs that provide dignity essentials, milestone celebrations, and healing-centered care for individuals and families rebuilding their lives.

Event Details:
📅 Date: April 16, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: The Union League, Philadelphia

Reserve your spot today: Register Here

Thank you for considering joining us in creating hope and second chances.

QUESTIONS? Contact Emily Paul at epaul@gaudenzia.org.