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The Louis & Mary Haddad Foundation marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration that doubled as a networking forum for community leaders, nonprofit executives, elected officials, and other key players in the nonprofit sector. Over 80 attendees gathered to commemorate the foundation’s contributions and to collaborate on ideas that improve the quality of life for the local community.

The event provided a platform for Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares and Brittany Dunn, COO of the Safe House Project, to address the ongoing issue of human and child trafficking, a pervasive problem in Virginia and beyond. Human Trafficking is the illegal exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of sexual exploitation. It involves the recruitment, transport, or harboring of people, typically for profit, by depriving them of their freedom and basic human rights. Miyares delivered poignant remarks emphasizing the importance of community and private sector charity. Attorney General Miyares has made battling the scourge of human trafficking a priority across the commonwealth. Brittany Dunn followed with a powerful commentary on the need to be vigilant and aware of the signs of human trafficking. Dunn’s Safe House Project is an important resource for victims of human trafficking.

Their comments were well-received, with several attendees sharing their takeaways. Lorelei Costa Morrow, Executive Director or the Suffolk Foundation stated “One theme of the evening was the importance of strategy—how sometimes even a modest donation or a small group of people, if strategically deployed, can start positive change. What an empowering and inspiring evening.” Philanthropic leader, George Birdsong stated, “This event was a very meaningful gathering of philanthropist and charitable foundation leaders all committed to doing good work in our community. Lou and Mary are to be thanked for the forethought to create their charitable foundation and sponsor such an inspirational party with all people attending having a unity of purpose doing good.” Another attendee, Thomas Woodward, Towne Bank President of Suffolk and Western Tidewater, remarked, “This was a wonderful gathering of people, who in different ways are working to make Suffolk a better place. I know many of us found the information shared about human trafficking in our area alarming and a call to action.”

Notable attendees included former Gov. George Allen, State Senator Emily Jordan, Mayor Mike Duman, Sheriff David Miles, and the Honorable Judge Robert C. Barclay, IV. Also represented were leaders from regional foundations such as Obici Healthcare Foundation, and The Blocker Foundation. Leaders from a variety of nonprofit organizations were also represented, including ForKids, The Up Center, Blakey Weaver Counseling Center, Hope for Suffolk, and the Western Tidewater Free Clinic. The gathering fostered opportunities for collaboration, allowing those in attendance to build relationships and share resources aimed at tackling pressing social issues.

Family foundations, such as the Louis & Mary Haddad Foundation, are uniquely positioned to enable communication and respond quickly to needs in the community. Working alongside larger grant-making institutions, family foundations complement these organizations by offering more personalized, flexible support. Together, these entities help drive meaningful change, ensuring that community needs are met through diverse approaches. The Haddad Foundation focuses their efforts on at-risk children.