29 Annual th
At Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Who We Are
In the last 47 years, Bethesda Project grew from a single apartment to 11 locations across Philadelphia, including emergency shelter, entry-level programs, and supportive housing.
Our guests’ and residents’ needs are not one-size-fits-all, and we offer a continuum of care, including individualized care plans, long-term case management, referrals to outside providers, connection to legal aid, and walk-up meal services to nearly 1,200 adults experiencing homelessness every year. We foster community within our residences with house meetings, special holiday meals, and frequent group and volunteer activities.
We are driven by our core values of compassion, service, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people.
Our mission is to find and care for the abandoned poor and to be family with those who have none.
Welcome to a Magical Evening of Inspired Impact
Thank you for joining us for Bethesda Project’s Annual Party & Auction! Whether you’re a long-time supporter or joining us for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here to celebrate Bethesda Project’s nearly five decades in service to Philadelphians experiencing homelessness.
We are thrilled to return to Philadelphia’s iconic Masonic Temple for a magical evening of inspired impact. Our generous sponsors and donors have helped lay the groundwork for a truly successful evening. A special thank you to The Emerson Group for leading the way as tonight’s premier sponsor.
Tonight, we honor the impact and legacy of our founder, Abbot Domenic Rossi, whose vision continues to inform our present and shape our future. We will have the privilege of hearing from Domenic and his inspiring perspective on the importance of the work of Bethesda Project, now and in the decades to come.
This evening is all about celebrating community and our mission to be family with those who have none It is a privilege and profound responsibility to stand in service to those in greatest need in the Philadelphia area, and we thank you for all you do to advance Bethesda Project’s critical work and impact.
With appreciation
Tina Pagotto CEO
Kyle J. Werder Board President
Our Board of Directors
President | Kyle J Werder – Comcast NBCUniversal
Vice President | Susan Glessner-Stickley - Stratus Inc.
Secretary | Marie Thibault, Public Relations Professional
Treasurer | Robert Kuehl - Financial Executive (Retired)
Members
Genna Abele - Golub Capital Board Fellow
Viktoria Boening - Golub Capital Board Fellow
Carolyn Lewis Bradley – Morgan Stanley
Gina Daley - L’Oreal USA
Dwayne Edghill - Vanguard
Hazelita Hayes – Former Bethesda Project Resident
Glenn Hauler - Copy That, LLC
Daniel T. Hirst - AmerisourceBergen (Retired)
Danielle LaGuerre – Bank of America
Erin Leffler – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP
Anthony V. Mannino, Esq.- STP Investment Services
Tina Pagotto, MSW – Bethesda Project CEO
Igor Pleskov - Saul Ewing, LLP
Abbot Domenic Rossi, Ex Officio – Bethesda Project Founder
David Swoyer - Santander Bank (Retired)
Daniel Ticona - FreddieMac
Special thanks to our Development Committee
Glenn Hauler (co-chair), Daniel Ticona (co-chair), Carolyn Bradley, Michael Catrino, Bill Cotter, Alison Houghton, Roshonda Jones, Tina Pagotto, Brielle Saracini, Emma Stern, David Swoyer, Marie Thibault and Kyle J Werder
Bethesda Project would like to recognize its dedicated staff and volunteers who helped make tonight possible!
Aunyea Lachelle is an Emmy Award–winning entertainment and lifestyle journalist, host, and producer with more than a decade of experience across broadcast television, digital media, and live events. She is currently an on-air entertainment and lifestyle contributor nationwide and formerly served as host and producer of Philly Live on NBC10 Philadelphia. Aunyea has interviewed A-list talent across film, television, and culture, and collaborates with major studios including Netflix, Universal Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, and Warner Bros.
Rodney’s Story
Just a few years ago, Rodney’s life looked very different. After the passing of his mother, the home they shared was lost to foreclosure. What followed were three and a half years of instability, as Rodney found himself navigating the harsh realities of homelessness.
Everything began to change when a friend told him about Bethesda Project’s church shelter program at Trinity Memorial For the first time in a long while, Rodney had a safe place to sleep.
“I was just happy to have somewhere to go,” he recalls. Through the program, Rodney received meals, overnight shelter, and support from case managers who helped him begin rebuilding his life. He also participated in several day programs, where he could access necessities like laundry facilities and showers - small things that made a big difference in restoring his sense of dignity and routine
With continued support, Rodney made the transition into Bethesda Project’s supportive housing program, an important step toward long-term stability. Rodney credits much of his progress to the compassion and dedication of the staff.
“Kindness goes a long way,” he says. “The staff supported me in building connections and ultimately helped me find a job.” Rodney was thrilled to secure employment within Bethesda Project.
Today, Rodney is focused on the future. He’s working, volunteering at his church, saving money and building a life that once felt out of reach. His journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, stability is possible and hope can be restored. At Bethesda Project, stories like Rodney’s are why the work continues every day.
Honoring our Founder
Abbot Domenic Rossi, O. Praem.
Bethesda Project was founded in 1979 through a simple but powerful act of compassion. Reverend Domenic Rossi and members of his prayer group from Daylesford Abbey reached out to women experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Guided by a belief that every person deserves to be cared for as family, they rented a small apartment at 12th and Sansom, offering dignified housing to vulnerable women
What began as a modest, volunteer-led effort quickly grew Just three years later, with the support of Daylesford Abbey, foundations, and a committed community, Bethesda Project purchased a home at 11th and Spruce. That house became a permanent residence for formerly homeless women and a place of stability, healing, and belonging. As the need for services increased in the city, so did the organization’s sense of responsibility Bethesda Project formally became a nonprofit, hired its first staff, and began expanding its reach
Throughout this remarkable journey, Abbot Domenic has remained a champion of Bethesda Project. From its humble beginnings to its growth into a vital network of shelter, housing and services, his vision and dedication have helped shaped who we are today.
At this year’s Party & Auction we are pleased to honor Abbot Domenic not only as our founder, but for his vision to fulfill our mission of being family with those who have none. His example continues to guide us, and we remain committed to carrying this calling forward, ensuring that compassion, dignity, and community remain at the heart of our work.
How Mobile Bidding Works
1. Visit 2026party.givesmart.com on your mobile device and log in. To register a new account, you can also text “2026Party” to 76278.
2. Choose your item – from our home page, click “items,” then browse or use the dropdown menu to view the categories, and select an item.
3. Choose amount – use the pre-populated minimum bid or enter a higher amount.
4. Auto bid (optional) – Select AUTO BID, enter the highest amount you are willing to bid. The system will place minimum bids for you as needed until your designated amount is reached.
5. Click “Bid.”
6. You will receive a text message if you are outbid!
Use the Masonic
Temple’s Free Wi-Fi:
Grand Lodge Guest
Password: Fre3M@s0N
Need additional instructions?
Scan this code for thorough instructions about navigating GiveSmart.
Program
6:00 - 6:45 P.M.
Foyer Under the Stars - Cocktails & Self-Guided Tours
7:00 P.M.
Ballroom Opens (Dinner, Bar, Silent Auction)
7:45 P.M.
Formal Program
Aunyea Lachelle, Host
Tina Pagotto, CEO of Bethesda Project
Abbot Domenic Rossi, O. Praem., Bethesda Project’s Founder
8:30 P.M.
Dessert & Coffee Served
Silent Auction Closes and Gift Checkout Begins
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Premier Sponsor
Corporate Partner
Richard Canel
Bethesda Project’s Legacy Society
ForeThought
Community Builders
Daylesford Abbey
Family Circle
1031 CORP.
A Place for Pat
Healy Family Trust
International Raw Materials, LTD
Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority
Santander Bank
David and Louise Strawbridge
Safe Haven
Brandywine Realty Trust
Brother’s Inc.
Independence Blue Cross
McLean Packaging Corp.
Dennis and Moira Murphy
Philadelphia Phillies
Saul Ewing
David Swoyer
Tito's Vodka
WSFS CARES Foundation
Hope Society
BRE Presents
Glenn and Jill Bronson
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Customers Bank
Exude
Groovy Hues
Susan Hoffman
Jenkintown Building Services
Robert and Barbara Kuehl
Wood-Mode Cabinetry - Wall & Walsh
Workpartners
Friends of Bethesda Project
Dexter and Karen Hamilton
Chris & Nancy Sowa
Nicholas Spornick
Elizabeth and Ralph von dem Hagen
(Listing as of May 6, 2026)
We are proud to support Bethesda Project’s 29 Annual Party & Auction th
Other Ways to Support!
The Win-Win Raffle (Item #1)
Enter our 50/50 raffle for the chance to win a cash prize. Half of raffle proceeds to you and half to Bethesda Project it’s a win-win! Tickets are $100 each and for every additional $100 you contribute, we’ll enter your name in the drawing again.
Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB) Raffle (Item #2)
For $20 per ticket, you can enter to win a fabulous bundle that includes $500 to AirBnB and two bottles of wine from Pray Tell!
Look for our ticket sellers or go online to enter the raffles! Raffle winners will be pulled after the event and notified by email or phone. You do not need to be present to win the raffles.
Light the Night
Your gift helps us create a constellation of support Visit the table in the front hallway to participate in our Light the Night activity. Choose a star, each representing a tangible need at a specific price point and help us fulfill this need. Donate and hang your star on the board When we come together, these small acts of generosity create something powerful: a community of care that supports the thousands of individuals we serve each year
Light the Night Needs:
$25 |Twin Sheet Sets; Septa Key Card; Plates and Drinkware
$40 | New Towels and Washcloths; Anti-slip Bathroom Mat
$50 | Cleaning Supplies; Microwave Oven; Bathroom Grab Bars
$75 | PPE - Gloves and Masks; Hand Sanitizer
$100 | Support a Resident for a Week; Cots for Shelter Guests; CPR/First Aid/AED Training for Staff
Light the Night Needs (Continued):
$200 | Move-in Kits; Industrial Shelving for Supplies; Commercial Vacuum
$300 | Commercial Pots & Pans; Sponsor a Resident Group Outing
$600 | 1-Month of Food for 20 Guests at My Brother's House; Twin Mattress and Bedframe
$1,000 | Furniture at Sanctuary; Major Appliance Replacement Fund; Flooring Upgrade in Resident Unit at Bainbridge
$2,500 | Summer Electric Bill at Spruce; Winter Gas Bill at North Broad
$4,000 | Professional Deep Cleaning at Bainbridge; Emergency Clean Up Services
$6,500 | Professional Deep Cleaning for North Broad; Dryer Duct Cleaning at All Sites; New Laundry Facilities on 2nd Floor of Spruce
$10,000 | One Year of Housekeeping Across Housing Sites; Annual Social Services Database Contract
Remembering Joseph Fenkel, Friend of Bethesda Project
Joe is the founder of McLean Packaging and a long-time supporter of Bethesda Project Joe grew up in Philadelphia and backed many charitable causes We are grateful that Joe's son, Stuart, has continued to support Bethesda Without this ongoing generosity we could not create a home and family for so many who have neither
In memory of my friend and long-time client Joseph Fenkel, founder of McLean Packaging. Thanks, Joe, for all that you did for me and for Bethesda. Will miss your grit and determination.
-David Swoyer
Bethesda Project Board Member and Retired Commercial Banking Head of Santander Bank
Wall & Walsh is proud to be a continuing sponsor of Bethesda Project!
Photo by Bryan Lathrop
Investing in Our Future
As we celebrate our 47th year of being family with those who have none, Bethesda Project is strategically focused on investing in our facilities, programs, services and staff in order to help our guests and residents achieve their life goals.
You can be a partner in our mission by making a financial gift today. Together, we can change the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Thank you Bethesda Project Staff for the sacrifices each of you make every day during these extremely difficult times in America. You are the keepers of Bethesda’s mission.
Dick Canel