Over the past 20 years, your generosity has allowed Wings to give more than $1.45 million to help thousands of area young people. Reaching this milestone – combined with Tony’s and my readiness to slow down and begin a new phase of our lives – makes the timing feel right to move in a new direction.

Wings will no longer hold an annual Gala; however, closing this door allows us to open a window of new opportunity. Our hope is to continue our WingsNet program – developed to assist at-risk youth aging out of foster care – for many years to come. That’s why we’re implementing a matching gift program through the end of 2016. Dollar for dollar, sponsorships and donations will be matched, resulting in “double the difference” being made in a young person’s life. Plus, anyone who makes a donation through the end of this year will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card!

We are extremely grateful for your support over the past 20 years and hope you’ll continue to partner with us.

We’ve enjoyed seeing you at our annual Galas and celebrating the legacy of hope that we have built together. And we hope we have the chance to “see” you during the 2016 Wings Facebook Gala Weekend from Friday, September 30, through Sunday, October 2! This is an opportunity for us to continue to be together and celebrate in a fun and unique way.

On this weekend, take a picture of your celebration — maybe a day on the water, a cookout with friends and family or a quiet dinner for two — and share it with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wingsofhopefoundation.

Be creative! If you post the picture that gets the most “Likes,” you’ll win a $100 gift card! Plus, every returned donation card will be entered into a door prize drawing for a $100 gift card, too!

Don’t forget, through the end of 2016, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar — “doubling the difference” we can make in a young person’s life.