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An Evening Dedicated to Shattering the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health & Illuminating the Power of Hope.

Dark blue graphics with a collage of photographed moments from Illuminating Hope with a text overlay that reads "Illuminating Hope." Beneath it is text that reads "Goal Reached, Lives Changed." Beneath that is text that reads "Hope Realized."

On April 24, 2026, our community came together for an unforgettable evening of connection, advocacy, and hope. Illuminating Hope was more than a celebration. It was a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, stigma can be challenged, and no one should face mental health and substance use challenges alone.

Whether you joined us in person or from afar, we invite you to experience the full recorded program and witness the stories, moments, and shared commitment that made the evening so meaningful. From powerful reflections to inspiring messages of resilience, this program captures the heart of Cornerstone’s mission and the movement we are building together.

Illuminating Hope was more than a night to remember, it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

Watch the Full Illuminating Hope
2026 Program HERE

Blue background with stars as the background graphics. Text at the top of the image reads "We opened the evening with live music and networking. Cocktail hour 6pm to 7pm." Below it is 6 pictures from the cocktail hour that happened before the event.

Guests engaged with Cornerstone leadership, government officials, philanthropic partners, corporate champions, and mental health advocates during our welcome reception celebrating the donors and supporters who made Illuminating Hope possible. Set within the beautifully designed BlackRock atrium, a soaring space with dramatic stone finishes, sweeping staircases, and warm architectural lighting, the evening came alive as a live jazz band filled the lobby with rich, uplifting, and energetic sounds. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails crafted by our event hosts featuring premium spirits and fresh ingredients, while indulging in passed hors d’oeuvres and chef curated tasting stations designed to elevate the experience. Throughout the evening, attendees connected with fellow guests united by a shared commitment to hope, healing, and community.

Blue background with stars as the background graphics. In front are three photos from left to right with text beneath each photo. Photo one shows Montgomery Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilmember Laurie Ann-Sayles shared a joint proclamation in honor of Illuminating Hope handing it to Cari. Photo two shows Delegate Greg Wims delivered a citation recognizing Cornerstone's Enhanced In Home Support Program and handing the proclamation to Cari. To the left of Cari and Wims is Quincy and Janeen.

Image features text above images. Text reads: Cocktail Hour | 6:00 to 7:00 PM. During this hour, we recognized 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. Background graphics are stars over a blue background. 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.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.

Hosted by longtime Bearers of Hope Marisa and Alex, the main program unfolded within a beautifully transformed event space designed to inspire and immerse guests in the spirit of the evening. Attendees entered a room illuminated with dramatic lighting, elegantly dressed tables, sparkling décor, and twinkling overhead lights that set the tone for a memorable celebration of hope and community. Throughout the program, guests experienced powerful storytelling and a moving interactive lighting moment that revealed a spectacular display of hope, connecting the entire room in a shared experience of illumination. The evening also featured chef guided culinary experiences, decadent dessert offerings, and music that energized and inspired guests to celebrate together.

blue background with sparkles as the background graphics. In front are three photos from left to right with text beneath each photo. Photo one is of the Emcee's of the event Marisa and Alex. Text below the photo reads: Our Spirited Emcee's Marisa Gillum, Chief Administrative Officer, and Alex Knoll, Administrative Manager, welcomed guests. "We come together not only to celebrate the work being done, but to honor the resilience, healing, and transformation that happen every day." Photo two is of St. Luke's Episcopal Church Reverend Jessica Hitchcock with text beneath it that reads: St. Luke's Episcopal Church Reverend Jessica Hitchcock spoke about the deep rooted history between Cornerstone and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. " Every time I come into contact with Cornestone, I am inspired and am given hope." Photo three is of Development and Donor Relations Manager, Maggie Sugrue with text beneath it that reads Development and Donor Relations Manager, Maggie Sugrue, introduced our Illuminating Hope theme. "We meet people in the dark and together, we help them find the light. That is where this idea began. Because hope is not one moment. It is a journey." Photo of the people in the audience of the program watching people speak.blue background with sparkles as the graphics. In front are three photos from left to right with text beneath each photo. Photo one is of Marketing and Communications Manager, Shane Senior. Beneath the photo text reads Marketing and Communications Manager, Shane Senior, reminded us “Our sponsors are not separate from our mission. They are part of it... They help turn moments into progress, and progress into possibility. And quite simply, they help us illuminate hope." Photo two is of President and CEO, Cari Guthrie. Text beneath the photo reads President and CEO, Cari Guthrie, shared that "Right now, we are navigating a landscape that is becoming more complex....We will continue to be bearers of hope for the people we serve and support them on their journey." Photo three is of Lisa Katz, our Chief Program Officer. Beneath the photo text reads Lisa Katz, our Chief Program Officer, was joined by our program leadership who helped her illuminate the moments where our work shows up. blue background with sparkles as the background graphics. In front are two photos from left to right with text beneath each photo. Photo one is of Dr. Joy Chang, our Chief Medical Officer. Text beneath the photo reads Dr. Joy Chang, our Chief Medical Officer, shared: “Behavioral health and physical health are still treated separately....The role of our Integrated Health Department is to bridge that gap" Photo two is of Clarissa Harris, Our Development Committee Board Chair. Beneath the photo text reads Clarissa Harris, Our Development Committee Board Chair, shared: "As a Board, we have the privilege and the responsibility to ensure that this work continues, grows, and reaches the people who need it most." blue background with sparkles as the background graphics. In front are three photos from left to right with text beneath. Photo one is of Quincy and Cari, photo two is of client Margi O. delivering a speech, and photo three is of Cari handing Margi O. an award. Text beneath the photos reads Cari and Quincy presented our inaugural Beyond Hope Award to client, Margi O. "Her story is powerful not only because of what she has faced, but because of everything she has built. And through it all, she has continued to grow and give back, using her voice to help others feel seen and supported. It is our honor to recognize her with the Beyond Award..." blue background with sparkles as the background graphics. In front are two photos; one photo in the top left of the graphic and one photo in the bottom right of the graphic, with text beside each photo. Photo one is of Quincy with the text beside it that reads We had an inspiring illustration and a call to action by Quincy Inman, our Development Officer, who leads our fundraising operations... "They come to us carrying the details of their dilemmas... the specifics of their struggles... the fragments of their fears... and the footnotes of their frustrations…our work is to move them beyond the perplexity of their problems... into the possibility of their potential." Photo two is of our Board of Director Chair, Cindy Rauner with the text beside it that reads …and finally, Our Board of Director Chair, Cindy Rauner closed the evening thanking our community of Bearers of Hope "At Cornerstone, our mission is clear....and tonight you saw how this comes to life across programs, through clinical care, through community, and through the people who make it possible every single day."Blue background with sparkles as graphics. Text a the top of the image reads Illuminating those who define us. Beneath the text is an image of Alex Knoll and Veronica Rush; two staff members recognized for their work during the event.

This year, we introduced two recognitions that mean a great deal to us. Both were created to honor individuals whose impact goes beyond their role and reflects who we are at our core.

The inaugural Bearer of Hope Award was presented to Veronica Rush. Her work is a clear example of what that means. She stepped into the life of a client facing aggressive throat cancer, daily treatment, and no family support. In that space, she became the constant. She made sure care was understood, followed, and delivered with dignity. She carried not just the logistics, but the weight of that experience alongside him. She didn’t just support him through treatment, she stood with him through one of the hardest moments of his life.

We also recognized Alex Knoll with the Keystone of Cornerstone Award, a distinction we created because of the role he plays here.

For more than 20 years, Alex has been a steady presence across this organization. He shows up, he knows people, and he brings a level of consistency that holds things together in ways that are often unseen but always felt.

He has served in many roles, but what defines him is how he shows up in all of them, with humility, care, and a deep commitment to the people around him.

blue background with sparkles as the background. Image has 9 photos with images from the event; people giving speeches, crowd reactions, and people enjoying the cocktail hour.

 

Explore the Illuminating Hope 2026 Photo Gallery

Relive the energy, elegance, and impact of Illuminating Hope 2026 through our event photo gallery. From heartfelt moments and inspiring speakers to joyful connections shared throughout the evening, these photos capture the spirit of a community united in hope and purpose.

We invite you to browse the gallery, celebrate the memories created together, and see the many faces that helped make this evening so special. Click Here to View the Full Gallery.

A group photo of the staff present at Illuminating Hope in front of an image of curtains with "Illuminating Hope" in text in the background. At the bottom of the image is text that reads "Illuminating Hope 2026."

blue background with sparkles as graphics. On top of the graphics is text at the top of the image stating Illuminating Partnership, Below the text are images of logos from the sponsors who helped us Illuminate Hope that evening. Sponsors include Hilb Group, Paycom, Carefirst, Whiting-Turner, Magic Plumbers, Philadelphia Insurance, Xceptional Opportunities, Brightclean Corp, Lerch Early & Brewer, Mabaro LLC, Digital Ink, MT and Associates, David Love, and Suburban Hospital John's Hopkins medicine

Thank You to Our Illuminating Hope 2026 Sponsors

Illuminating Hope 2026 would not have been possible without the generosity and partnership of our sponsors. Your support helps Cornerstone expand access to life changing mental health and substance use treatment services, strengthen our programs, and continue building a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for helping us shine a light on hope, healing, and recovery.

Become a Champion for Hope

Interested in partnering with Cornerstone for future events or becoming a corporate sponsor? Sponsorship is a meaningful way to support life changing behavioral health services while demonstrating your commitment to mental health, recovery, and community well-being.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnerships, please contact our Development Officer Quincy Inman, or our Development and Donor Relations Manager Maggie Sugrue at Development@CornerstoneMontgomery.org.

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