A Thank You to All for Your Support at the Second Chance Gala
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Dear friends and supporters,
On behalf of the entire FailSafe-ERA team and family, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for joining us at our Second Chance Gala. Because of your presence, support, and belief in our mission, the evening was not only a success, it was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose.
Please enjoy the attached photos, which capture the spirit of the night of celebration, restoration, and hope. Each image reflects the lives being transformed and the collective impact we are making to prevent generations of incarceration.
We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, whose investment continues to fuel this work and expand our reach across Planning District 16. To our community leaders and elected officials, thank you for standing with us and for your ongoing commitment to creating safer, stronger communities.
A heartfelt thank you to Senator Tim Kaine for his thoughtful and inspiring message. Your words affirmed the importance of second chances and the power of redemption in building better futures.
We were also honored by the presence of our Virginia Department of Corrections leadership and the Rappahannock Regional Jail Superintendent. Your partnership and support are critical to the success of our pre- and post-release programs, and we are grateful for your continued collaboration.
A very special congratulations and thank you to our Hall of Change honorees and all award recipients. Your courage, resilience, and commitment to transformation are the true heart of this work. You are living proof that change is possible, and your journeys inspire hope not only for yourselves, but also for families and communities across our region. We were honored to celebrate you and to walk alongside you as Agents of Change.
We would also like to highlight a few powerful moments from the evening that truly captured the spirit of our mission:
Recognizing Sergeant Steven Curtis and Mrs. Deborah Cain as recipients of the Bobby Dee Anderson Community Service Legacy Award, honoring their unwavering commitment to service and community impact.
Celebrating Brooke Point High School senior as the recipient of the Eugene Melvin Melchior II Scholarship, representing hope, promise, and the next generation breaking cycles and building brighter futures.
Witnessing a deeply moving and unforgettable moment as Phoenix Legendary Award recipient Brian Freeman and the Stafford County Sheriff David Decature embraced following a sincere apology - an act of courage and grace that allowed for healing, restoration, and the closing of a painful chapter.
And to our phenomenal keynote speaker, Deanna Hoskins - thank you for delivering such a powerful and moving message. Your voice, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to justice and transformation left an indelible mark on all of us.
Finally, to every guest, volunteer, board member, and supporter, thank you for believing in the work of FailSafe-ERA. Together, we are not just hosting events, we are changing lives, restoring families, and building pathways to hope and opportunity.
See All the Photos of our Gala