Board Member Lucero Ortiz, Chief Development Officer Rebecca Diamond, DC Councilmember Michael Brown, Advocacy and Communications Director Lyda Vanegas and COO David Tatro

Mary's Center Annual Noche Tropical Gala took place at the Four Seasons late last month. The annual affair celebrates the legacy of Mary's Center, an organization that saves lives and strengthens communities.

Funds raised from Noche Tropical go directly towards expanding the Center's programming and reach within the community.

— Report by Kate Oczypok and photographs courtesy of Mary's Center

Mary’s Center President/CEO Maria Gomez is joined by Derek Harps of M&T Bank, Janet Farrell of M&T Bank, Mary’s Center CFO Josephine Morris-Young, COO David Tatro, Board Chair Julie Martinez Ortega and Board Member Matt Klinger

Mary's Center staff and volunteers post-event.

Gala Co-Chairs Samuel Lievano and Dorothy Stein Swamy, Master of Ceremonies NBC4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer and Mary's Center President/CEO Maria Gomez

Mary's Center volunteer Betty Paugh Ortiz works the crowd during the Call to Action.