Eggleston Marks 70 Years of Service
with an Unforgettable Anniversary Gala
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Eggleston staff and program participants came together with community leaders, partners, and supporters at Hilton Norfolk – The Main to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Eggleston’s 70th Anniversary. The evening was filled with inspiration, music, and heartfelt recognition of seven decades of empowering individuals with disabilities throughout Hampton Roads.
The gala opened with a lively cocktail reception, where guests mingled, browsed the silent auction items, and shared stories and experiences of Eggleston’s enduring impact. Emceed by the esteemed Barbara Hamm-Lee, Executive Producer and Host of Another View on WHRO Public Media, the program guided attendees through an evening of gratitude and celebration.
A highlight of the night was a powerful message from Paul J. Atkinson, Sr., who was the CEO of Eggleston from 1988 – 2023, and an endearing message from Hope Bress, who retired from Eggleston in June after 50 years of continuous service. You can find both of their messages below.
Guests also enjoyed an engaging performance by jazz icon Jae Sinnet and his trio along with a three-course dinner and the excitement of a live auction, which featured unique items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences donated by generous community partners.
Thanks to the support of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the event raised critical funds to sustain Eggleston’s mission of providing education, training, employment, and community-based services to adults with disabilities. The evening would not have been possible without the support of Presenting Sponsor TowneBank, along with Premiere Sponsor R3, Champion Sponsor Versability Resources, Host Sponsor Hilton Norfolk – The Main, and many others.
For 70 years, Eggleston has been a leader in creating opportunities and fostering inclusion for people with disabilities. From its humble beginnings as a vision of parents seeking meaningful futures for their adult children, Eggleston now serves nearly 2000 individuals annually with over 30 programs, ranging from residential support to business enterprises that employ hundreds of adults with disabilities.
The 70th Anniversary Gala was not only a celebration of Eggleston’s legacy but also a powerful reminder that the organization’s work is just beginning. As CEO Dr. Mark Carlson, shared, “The 70th Gala was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Eggleston’s mission, our people, and the community. There are so many rich stories from the past 70 years, and I look forward to hearing countless more. For me, the evening was especially meaningful because I shared it with our employees and the community members we serve. I’m already looking forward to the new Eggleston stories we’ll hear in 2026. Thank you to everyone who made our 70th celebration so special!”
Eggleston extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and celebrated this milestone with us. Together, we honored the past while paving the way for a future of inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment.
To learn more about Eggleston’s programs and services—or to join in supporting its mission—visit www.egglestonservices.org.
