We are thrilled to share highlights from our 30th Anniversary Harvest Ball, a remarkable evening celebrating Independence Now’s legacy and the incredible community that supports our mission. The event was filled with joy, connection, and gratitude as we marked this significant milestone in our journey to empower Maryland residents with disabilities.
Gratitude and Recognition
As our Executive Director, Diane Palmer, expressed during the evening:
“Thanks to our generous sponsors and guests who purchased tickets, this special evening of celebration was made possible. We cherish your commitment to supporting Maryland residents with disabilities.”
We are so grateful to our sponsors, funders, individual donors, community partners, and elected officials who help make our mission a reality. A special thank you goes to Cathy Raggio, Independence Now’s visionary founder, and to our dedicated Board of Directors and staff, whose hard work drives our success.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed powerful remarks from:
- U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (via video)
- Jolene Ivey, Prince George’s County Council Chair
- Will Jawando, Montgomery County Councilmember
- Jeremy Diaz, 2023 Youth Leadership Forum Delegate
- Emmanuel James-Brooks, 2024 Youth Leadership Forum Delegate
Our award presentations highlighted the accomplishments of Rochelle Harrod, our Independent Living Specialist, and we were honored to have our Board President, James Freeny, take part in the night’s celebration.
The evening also featured a beautiful solo performance by Kimberly Waters, and later, DJ Arkese kept everyone dancing as we celebrated long into the night.
A Special Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made our 30th Anniversary Harvest Ball such a success. Your generosity and support help make a lasting impact on the lives of Maryland residents with disabilities. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us celebrate this important milestone!
A heartfelt thank you to:
- Adventist Healthcare
- Go Go Access
- M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
- Jubilee Association of Maryland
- Catherine and Jim Raggio
- Wegmans
- MD Relay
- Shannon Minnick
- Kennedy Krieger
- Mid Atlantic ADA Center
- Sarah Basehart
- JD National Landscaping (Chase and Lisette Engel)
- Mark and Marsha Mazz
- Susan Larsen Marketing
- Oak Tree Psychiatry
- L.E.E.P To College Foundation
- Assured Partners Kelly Edel
- The Arc of Prince George’s
- Calibre Mark McClain
- Disability Partnerships
- Giant
- HR Strategy Group LLC Amy Polfrone
- Maggie Roffee
- Reliving With CP Team Emily Rowe
- Kathleen Wolf
- Michelle Lindsay
- Zelaya’s Painting
- Donna Herring
- Comfort INN Virai Safai and Leeza Doukmajian
- Donna Bigler
- DC Mission Experience
- Mi Rancho’s Downtown Silver Spring
- Regal Majestic Movie Theatre
- Round House Theatre
- Olney Theatre Center
- Wines for Humanity
- International Spy Museum
- YIP Fitness
- Wood House Bethesda
- Washington Capitals
- Alondre W
- Michael Saunders
Your commitment to inclusion and empowerment continues to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We couldn’t do this without you!
Silent Auction and Exciting Prizes
One of the evening’s highlights was our silent auction, which featured incredible prizes, including:
- A Washington Capitals puck signed by Charlie Lindgren
- A Date Night Package (Mi Rancho’s Dinner Certificate and Regal Cinemas Movie Tickets)
- Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center tickets
- Spy Museum tickets
- Wines for Humanity
- A DC Experience Beat The Bomb family and friends package
- Wood House Spa and Sephora Gift Baskets
- A Coca-Cola Movie Night basket
- A Barbie Disability Collection and Hot Wheels Collection
- A Men’s Self-Care basket
- A Baltimore Orioles Gift Set
- A Handbag Collection featuring Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Coach bags
The bidding was exciting, and the generosity of everyone who participated helps fund the essential programs and services we provide to support independence for individuals with disabilities.
Relive the Night Through Photos
For those who joined us at the Harvest Ball—and for those who couldn’t make it—we invite you to relive the magic by exploring our photo album. The smiles, laughter, and energy captured in these moments are a testament to the strength of our community and the joy shared throughout the evening.
Looking Ahead
As Independence Now celebrates 30 years of advocacy, inclusion, and independence, we look forward to the future with renewed passion and purpose. With your continued support, we will keep working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources and services they need to thrive in the communities they call home.
Thank you for being part of our journey! Here’s to many more years of empowerment, collaboration, and success.
