2016 Capitol Steps Benefit for UCM Raises Over $75,000 for Families in Need


FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Friends of United Community Ministries (UCM) held its annual fundraising event, the Capitol Steps Benefit for UCM, in the Madison Auditorium at the US Patent & Trademark Office.

The signature event raised more than $75,000 to ensure the continued success of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families. DC-based musical political satire troupe, The Capitol Steps, performed their energetically bi-partisan show to a sold-out crowd of more than 350 community members.

“I look forward to this performance each year. It’s a fun event to support a cause we can all rally around,” says Elin Bohn, president of The Friends of UCM. Even though the 2016 presidential election season was quite contentious, The Capitol Steps’ comedy did not disappoint. The performance included creative new skits that poked fun at the presidential candidates, former presidents and Supreme Court Justices. The crowd also got a kick out of the Steps’ most popular skits including -Lirty Dies, the always funny “backward talk” monologue.

The event welcomed the presence of Virginia State Sen. Scott Surovell, State Del. Paul Krizek, and Fairfax County School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders (Mount Vernon District). Event sponsors included Title Sponsor Doug and Eileen Kennett, Diamond Sponsor AT&T, and Gold Sponsor Elaine Kolish and David FitzGerald. The complete list of sponsors is available at ucmagency.org/CapitolSteps. Since its inception, The Friends of UCM have raised more than $2.4 million for UCM.

“UCM is honored by the support of The Friends of UCM, event co-chairs, Maureen McGuire-Kuletz, Judy Cahill and Sandy Doyle for their hard work to create such a special evening for our guests," says UCM Executive Director, Nichelle A. Mitchem, Esq. "Thank you to all of our donors and volunteers who make a difference in the daily lives of our neighbors in need. We’re especially thankful for our generous sponsors. Some of us are fortunate enough to have friends or families we can call on in a crisis. The members of our community that we serve at UCM oftentimes do not have that luxury. Because of those in attendance at this event and our sponsors, UCM is able to continue being a beacon of hope for those who have far less than we do."

Fairfax County families in crisis rely on UCM’s services every day. Proceeds from the event enable UCM to continue providing quality services, including early childhood development, emergency food and rental assistance, ESL literacy and citizenship preparedness, and youth leadership development.

“At UCM, we are committed to providing opportunities for the poorest members of our community. Through our programs, UCM is able to provide counseling, education, and coaching to help the most vulnerable people change the condition of their lives and become self-reliant,” Mitchem said. “It’s through this and other special events and from the support of local businesses and other nonprofits -- that we are able to make our organization’s mission a reality.”

This year’s performance marked the 25th annual benefit for UCM. Guests enjoyed light fare and wine and entered into a raffle to win prizes -- from a specialty olive oil basket to a luxurious holiday wrapping basket and more. “The Friends of UCM have sponsored the Capitol Steps fundraiser for 25 years. We appreciate the continuing support from our sponsors and members of the community,” Bohn said.

About United Community Ministries United Community Ministries mobilizes the power of community to equip, educate, and empower people to improve their lives. For more than 47 years, UCM has provided a vital connection between people in need and the people committed to helping them thrive through an array of services including emergency financial help to individuals in crisis; children’s programs; and adult education. For additional information, visit ucmagency.org.

PHOTOS courtesy of United Community Ministries