Celebrating the Heart of Project New Hope

Celebrating the Heart of Project New Hope

by Jennifer Cesaitis

This December, Project New Hope (PNH) invited everyone who makes its mission possible to their annual Festive Night of Gratitude. It was an evening filled with joy, remembrance, and recognition. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a $ 50,000 award from Bank of America, which recognizes Project New Hope, Inc. as this year’s Neighborhood Champion. This award signifies the importance of PNH’s mission to provide services, education, and resources for Veterans in Central and Western Massachusetts. PNH also presented its annual Memorial Awards for 2024. Bill Moore, founder, and president of Project New Hope called the night “a heartfelt celebration honoring donors, staff, andcherished volunteers who make our mission possible. We thank those who support ourVeterans and their families with unwavering dedication.”

The night's celebrations reminded us that PNH’s success is driven by the dedication and generosity of its community over the past 15 years and its promise to continue serving Veterans and their families. In recognition of this promise, Bank of America presented the $50,000 award at the event to help the organization meet its mission of bringing retreats, services, food and baby pantries, and more to Central and Western Massachusetts.

Michael Garand, president of Bank of America Central Massachusetts, said in a November 25th press release, “The Worcester area is fortunate to have a strong network of non-profits that provide vital solutions to local challenges. Project New Hope has had a profound impact over the years on countless individuals and families. Providing non-profits like Project New Hope with flexible funding and leadership training helps them strengthen our community.”

Bill Moore expressed his gratitude, stating, "This incredible support from Bank of America is a testament to our program's impact on the lives of veterans and their families. It empowers us to grow our mission, reach more families, and provide the critical resources our veterans deserve."

A large part of the Festive Night of Gratitude is the Memorial Award presentations. The Memorial Awards are given annually to the individuals, groups, or companies who have provided extraordinary support to local Veterans. These awards are named for some people and families who have significantly impacted PNH’s mission, including a new award for 2024, the Stephen G. Dadah Memorial Award, which “honors the unwavering compassion, dedication, and generosity exemplified by Steve throughout his life. A passionate supporter of Project New Hope, Inc., American Legion Post 435, and the Patriot Guard Riders, Steve built a legacy of service and community. This award recognizes those who, like Steve, embody the spirit of kindness and commitment to Veterans and their families, shining as beacons of hope and support in their time of need,” says Bill Moore. Steve is pictured below, and the next page shows this year’s award recipients. The celebration stresses the importance of the PNH mission and the efforts behind connecting veterans with the services they need most.