Record-Breaking 2015 Road to Independence Gala Honors Mary Agee
By definition, a legend is someone who is well known for doing something extremely well. In local human service circles, the person who epitomizes action, advocacy and compassion for families in need is Mary Agee. Agee, who is retiring after 27 years as Northern Virginia Family Service’s president and CEO on June 30, was honored at the 2015 Road to Independence Gala as a Legend of Northern Virginia.
The record-breaking event, held on May 8 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, shattered previous attendance and fundraising records for the agency, with more than 700 present to congratulate Mary on her career. Sponsors and attendees helped raise $1,001,995 for NVFS through generous donations, live and silent auctions and raffle. Attendees met an NVFS Healthy Families client, whose baby girl – 17 years later – is going to college next fall.
Agee addressed Nohra and her daughter Ashley directly: “You are the perfect example of how intervention and prevention work. Nohra, by investing in your daughter’s development and your own job skills – you made a generational change. You changed the trajectory of your future and the future of your daughter. You stopped any continuation of poverty and violence. You are the best retirement gift I could have ever received.”
Supporters had the opportunity to hear from incoming president and CEO, Stephanie Berkowitz, NVFS’ current senior vice president of programs who has been with the agency for 16 years. “I am honored to lead NVFS into the future,” she told the audience, and promised to continue to innovate, lead and collaborate with corporate, nonprofit, public and philanthropic partners. “I look forward to working with all of you… to bring opportunity and social change to families and individuals in need throughout Northern Virginia.”
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