There was a bountiful Harvest for Hope Saturday night, and the moon wasn't even full. It wasn't even Thanksgiving yet the tables were overflowing with deliciousness, and just like any family gathering, good friends were enjoying each other's company. The Revelers and Jazzmatazz2 keep things upbeat, and a good time was had by all.

The Second Annual Silent Auction Benefit, Harvest for Hope, was hosted by Volunteers of America Chesapeake. JC Hayward, D.C.'s first female anchor, emceed. WUSA News9 was double trouble, with JC and her colleague, Ken Molestina, Reporter, and member of Volunteers of America Chesapeake's Residential Program Center Advisory Board.

It was a time to share, and everyone listened. Michael, Willie, Sonya and Donna brought the good news of their journey, and let us know how the  helping  hands  of Volunteers of America Chesapeake's Residential Program Center made things happen.

The Residential Program Center was established in 1994 through a partnership with Volunteers of America Chesapeake and the Arlington County Government to provide three crucial services to the Arlington area all under one roof: social-model detoxification, substance abuse treatment services and emergency homeless shelter and supportive services for single adults. It is the only 24-hour program in Arlington County and routinely runs at full capacity (and with a waiting list!).

Donations will directly impact the nearly 500 men and women we serve in Arlington, in need of a new start. This year's event raised nearly $18,000. The Silent Auction was a robust collection of more than 150 items, many donated by Arlington businesses.

Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD Volunteers of America Chesapeake was one of the first branches of Volunteers of America - one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.

Through a dedicated and committed team of management, staff and volunteers and guided by their Core Values: Caring, Respect, Faith, Quality and Trust - Volunteers of America Chesapeake helps more than 10,000 people each year throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia at our 26 programs.

Arlington County government was well represented by the Chair, Chris Zimmerman and Barbara A. Favola, who gave a rousing speech to commemorate the occasion.

JC Hayward kept the wagons rolling with her impressive anchoring skills, showing how she got the bonus title of Vice President for Media Outreach. Seemed like most folks were reaching out to JC for a photo and autograph, not being shy about having a celebrity in the room. There were raffle tickets, calls and amazing responses for donations (who knew you were carrying around $500.000 in your back pocket?).

The Residential Program Center Director, Aileen Corbet, MA, monitored events just to make certain everything went well, because Franklyn D. Baker, Chief Operating Officer, Volunteers of America Chesapeake spent the evening with the guests. Naturally, things had to go well. And, James W. Wynn, Assistant Vice President, Development, Volunteers of America Chesapeake helped put the finishing touches on the silent auction with Blacktie-DC staff and gave his final stamp of approval.

Christopher Rhodes, Advisory Board Chair, Residential Program Center, spoke of his own family being touched by misfortune. His commitment and dedication to the Residential Program Center was moving. 

One of Volunteers of America Chesapeake's Board of Directors also attended the event, Carlos Duran, Men of their Word and Chapter Director, National Hispanic Christian Leadership, and his beautiful wife Lidia. Robert Weick won the award for sponsoring the most guests. His wife Yoshiko made certain everyone enjoyed themselves.

Lest we forget to mention the facilities. If you haven't dropped by, go visit the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Conference Center across from Ballston Mall. NRECA was also an event sponsor. The room is intimate, easy to get to with ample parking. Nonprofit fundraiser planners take note.

Even though the Moonshine Revelers were goners by the end of the evening, their whimsical mix of bluegrass and roots music celebrated a pre-Thanksgiving giving of thanks at 2011's Harvest of Hope Silent Auction. Jazzmatazz2 kept up till the end, and a good time was had by all.