Our Outpatient Mental Health Clinic has paused new community applications to focus on the current waitlist until further notice.
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Illuminating Hope

Not just an ordinary evening…

this is  a continuation of a movement.

Illuminating Hope is Cornerstone’s signature spring event, launching May’s Mental Health Awareness Month with a celebration of resilience, a declaration against stigma, and a testament to the transformative power of community.

Together, we will honor those walking the path of recovery, uplift voices that often go unheard, and shine a light on the programs that transform lives every day.

This year’s event brings together friends, supporters, notable guests, and advocates for an unforgettable experience that reflects the heart of Cornerstone’s mission: to empower people living with mental health and substance use disorders to thrive.


Twinkling light graphics over a blue background with text and images. Overall image is thanking our sponsors, showing their logos and the sponsorship tier they've selected. Text reads "Thank you to all of our sponsors! We are grateful for the partners who make Illuminating Hope possible." Sponsor logos within image include the following: Hilb Group as one of our Shining Star Sponsors, Philadelphia Insurance Companies as one of our Empowerment Sponsors, and Suburban Hospital John's Hopkins Medecine as one of our Health Sponsors. There are also placeholder images for pending sponsors.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
View Sponsorship Opportunities

To Purchase Tickets, Click Here.

 

 

Event Experience

Image features text above images. Text reads: Cocktail Hour | 6:00 to 7:00 PM. During this hour, we recognize our Honorary Chairs by enjoying conversation, curated bites and beverages, and live music as the evening comes to life. Below text are images (from left to right) of Maryland Delegate Greg Wims, Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson; members of our event host committee. Image features continued Host Committee Member recognition over a blue background with twinkling light graphics. Photos of members with their name in text below. Members are shown in the image (from left to right) Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass, Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, and Montgomery County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles; members of our event host committee. Image is a continuation of host committee members for Illuminating Hope over a blue background with twinkling light graphics. Photo includes (from left to right) Montgomery County Council Member Kate Stewart, CEO of The Washington Home Crystal Carr Townsend, and Cornerstone's Founding Partner St.Luke's Episcopal Church. Beneath images is text that reads "in partnership with Cornerstone's Development Committee."3 photos over a blue background with twinkling light. In the three photos (from left to right) are Development Committee Chair, Clarissa Harris, Monique Harris, and Amanda Freeman; all members of our Board of Directors and members of our Development Committee. Beneath their images is text stating "with support from Cornerstone's Executive Leadership Team,"

Images of Cornerstone's Executive Leadership Team. Top row (from left to right): Cari Guthrie, Quincy Inman, and Liz Gatti. Bottom row (left to right): Marisa Gillum, Lisa H. Katz, Dr. Joy Chang, and Stan Estremsky.

You will engage with Cornerstone leadership, government officials, philanthropic partners, corporate champions, and mental health advocates during our welcome reception that celebrates you, our donors. Step into the beautifully designed BlackRock atrium, a soaring space with dramatic stone finishes, sweeping staircases, and warm architectural lighting as our live jazz band fills the lobby with a rich uplifting and energetic sounds, you will enjoy signature cocktails crafted by our  event hosts, featuring premium spirits and fresh ingredients. You will indulge in passed hors d’oeuvres and chef curated tasting stations that invite you to savor elevated flavors while connecting with fellow guests who share a commitment to hope and community.

Blue background with sparkling light graphics, text, and images. Text reads "The Main Event - 7:00pm to 9:00pm" Next line reads "Hosts," with images of the hosts of the evening below (from left to right) Marisa Gillum, and Alex Knoll. Beneath the host's images is text stating "in collaboration with our esteemed Host Committee."
Hosted by longtime Bearers of Hope Marisa & Alex, the main program will unfold in the transformed  space. You will enter a room draped in dramatic lighting, with beautifully dressed tables, sparkling decor, and twinkling overhead lighting to kick off this celebration. You will experience powerful storytelling and an interactive lighting moment that will reveal a spectacular display of hope, connecting every guest in a shared moment of illumination. Throughout the evening, you will enjoy chef guided culinary experiences, decadent dessert offerings, and music that moves you to celebrate.

Be sure to get your tickets and enjoy an unforgettable night of elegance, purpose, and inspiration where your presence truly makes an impact Together, we can shatter stigma and shine a light on hope.

 

 

Suggested Dress Code

Semi-Formal | Luxe with a Touch of Sparkle
 Wear your most radiant attire and embrace the theme think shimmering fabrics, metallic accents, or glowing accessories. Let your look reflect the light you bring to our community.

 

Tickets

Standard General Admission – $150                                                                                 

Sponsor a Ticket – $100                                                                                                                                                Sponsor a ticket for a Cornerstone client or staff member to attend this evening of celebration and transformation. Your gift ensures that those who make and experience our mission every day can join in the joy.

To Purchase Tickets, Click Here

View Sponsorship Opportunities

Text and images over blue background with sparkling light graphics. Text above images reads "If you would like to amplify your impact and fuel our life saving work sponsorship offers a powerful way to help us illuminate hope in the lives of those we serve. We offer thoughtful opportunities for individuals, families, businesses, and community partners who want to stand with Cornerstone in a visible and transformative way. When you become a sponsor, you will help expand and enhance access to life changing programs, strengthen our ability to be bearers of hopeso all we serve can have a life of their own choosing." Below text are photos of members of Cornerstone's Development team responsible for sponsorship communication (from left to right) Quincy Inman, and Maggie Sugrue. Below their photos is the Development contact email: Development@cornerstonemontgomery.org

Let’s shatter the stigma of mental health.

Event flyer for Cornerstone's annual signature event. This year's event is titled Illuminating Hope, an evening dedicated to shattering the stigma surrounding mental health and illuminating the power of hope. Sip, savor, and be inspired as custom cocktails, live culinary showcases, and vibrant entertainment come together in a celebration of hope, healing, and the courage to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. The event will take place Friday April 24th, 2026 at 6:00 PM. And will take place at Blackrock center for the Arts located at 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, Maryland. Zipcode 20874.