2026 Events
Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, Nashville TN (April 25, 2026)
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The SMW Foundation sponsored a team of 18 individuals from all over the country to participate in the Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Running Series. We had runners from Ohio, California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Tennessee sign up for the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon...and not only did they all complete their races...but they collectively raised over $18,000 for the Foundation!
We are beyond blessed by this team, and we're even more proud of their efforts to DO THE WORK! A huge THANK YOU to: Samantha Gibson Scottie Gibson Scott Gibson Tommy Hrynowski Sadie Nelson Emily Sigler Amber Doschadis Breann Longnecker Alex Chamberlain Abby Bishop Carter Bishop Sarah Bishop Sarah (Bish) Bishop Candice Schultz Jonathan (Cucu) Rodriguez Amanda Arndt Kristen Fogarty Catherine Crowley We also had an amazing team of virtual runners who purchased their very own team shirt and walked/ran from their location in the U.S. Thank you for your support of our fundraising goals! |
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Blue Jean Ball Annual Fundraiser, Woburn MA (April 18, 2026)
On April 18th we hosted our second annual SMW Foundation Fundraiser! The theme of the night, the Blue Jean Ball, paid tribute to Stephanie's desire to move to Nashville...something she was considering doing the summer of 2024. Nashville recording artist, Mark Taylor, took the stage to bring the country boogie, while Nashville line dance instructor and entertainer, Line Dance Chance, brought the boot scoot!
Representatives from Kendra Scott in Burlington, MA also joined us as part of their give back program to support local charities. Guests were able to choose from the Blue Jean Ball bracelet, the SMW bracelet, or make a custom piece of their own. The best part is that 20% of the evening's proceeds came back to the SMW Foundation!
The Boston Woburn Crowne Plaza ballroom glowed blue as we showed up in boots for this monumental night. We sang, we danced, we cried, and we raised money to support Stephanie's light and legacy that are carried on through the Foundation's work. The crowd in attendance was challenged to raise another $4,000 for the Linked Project (read more about that here)...but they far surpassed that goal as they collectively raised $6,675 on the spot! Stephanie's dream of making it on Broadway is coming true, and it would not be happening without these generous donations!
We want to especially thank everyone who donated raffle baskets and silent auction items (these prizes were incredible!), our right hand man Ryan Breslin, Julie at Sweet Thistle Floral Designs, Kimberly and Julia with Kendra Scott, Jill Moody with the Nashville Song Writers Association, Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso at Next Table Entertainment, Mark Taylor and Chance Phebus, the staff at the Crowne Plaza, and all of the amazing volunteers that kept the night moving. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And finally, we want to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who purchased a ticket and joined us for this incredible night. Words will never be able to describe what it feels like to look out into a room filled of people who are gathered in love to support Stephanie's mission. It's overwhelming in the best way. This night that brings so much joy and celebration only happens because you show up. And not only do you show up, but you participate in raffles and silent auction items and special project appeals...you are all so incredible.
We are once again truly blessed by each of you, and we are so grateful of your abundant support of our vision to ignite hearts through the arts <3
Representatives from Kendra Scott in Burlington, MA also joined us as part of their give back program to support local charities. Guests were able to choose from the Blue Jean Ball bracelet, the SMW bracelet, or make a custom piece of their own. The best part is that 20% of the evening's proceeds came back to the SMW Foundation!
The Boston Woburn Crowne Plaza ballroom glowed blue as we showed up in boots for this monumental night. We sang, we danced, we cried, and we raised money to support Stephanie's light and legacy that are carried on through the Foundation's work. The crowd in attendance was challenged to raise another $4,000 for the Linked Project (read more about that here)...but they far surpassed that goal as they collectively raised $6,675 on the spot! Stephanie's dream of making it on Broadway is coming true, and it would not be happening without these generous donations!
We want to especially thank everyone who donated raffle baskets and silent auction items (these prizes were incredible!), our right hand man Ryan Breslin, Julie at Sweet Thistle Floral Designs, Kimberly and Julia with Kendra Scott, Jill Moody with the Nashville Song Writers Association, Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso at Next Table Entertainment, Mark Taylor and Chance Phebus, the staff at the Crowne Plaza, and all of the amazing volunteers that kept the night moving. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And finally, we want to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who purchased a ticket and joined us for this incredible night. Words will never be able to describe what it feels like to look out into a room filled of people who are gathered in love to support Stephanie's mission. It's overwhelming in the best way. This night that brings so much joy and celebration only happens because you show up. And not only do you show up, but you participate in raffles and silent auction items and special project appeals...you are all so incredible.
We are once again truly blessed by each of you, and we are so grateful of your abundant support of our vision to ignite hearts through the arts <3
Drew University Plaque Dedication and Memorial, Madison NJ (April 11, 2026)
The SMW Foundation and Drew University (Stephanie's college alma mater) hosted a private plaque dedication and memorial on campus in early April. Drew alumn Sarah Petry organized a beautiful day in honor of our girl. The Foundation presented a plaque paying tribute to Stephanie and her legacy that will hang on the walls at Drew for years to come.
The day was full: Drew alumni Alicia Whavers and Andrew Barnes performed a scene from Stephanie's play, Linked. The reading was followed by remarks from another Drew alumn, Andrew Binger, who shared more about Stephanie and Linked. Current members of on campus A Capella group, All Of The Above (AOTA), performed "Halo", a song that Stephanie soloed on during her time as a member of AOTA. We heard a tribute to Stephanie written by Sarah Petry and Nate Stevenson, who, together with Stephanie, were the three best friends that anyone could have. Dr. Lisa Brenner, professor of Theatre Arts, spoke about Stephanie's impact and time at Drew. Amanda presented on behalf of the SMW Foundation and shared the full significance of this plaque (see video below). And to close out the memorial, Drew alumn Sam Dedian performed "Homeward Bound".
We were joined by many Drew alumni who graduated with Stephanie and who walk with us in our grief of losing her. But what a wonderful way to gather together to celebrate Stephanie's light and legacy.
The day was full: Drew alumni Alicia Whavers and Andrew Barnes performed a scene from Stephanie's play, Linked. The reading was followed by remarks from another Drew alumn, Andrew Binger, who shared more about Stephanie and Linked. Current members of on campus A Capella group, All Of The Above (AOTA), performed "Halo", a song that Stephanie soloed on during her time as a member of AOTA. We heard a tribute to Stephanie written by Sarah Petry and Nate Stevenson, who, together with Stephanie, were the three best friends that anyone could have. Dr. Lisa Brenner, professor of Theatre Arts, spoke about Stephanie's impact and time at Drew. Amanda presented on behalf of the SMW Foundation and shared the full significance of this plaque (see video below). And to close out the memorial, Drew alumn Sam Dedian performed "Homeward Bound".
We were joined by many Drew alumni who graduated with Stephanie and who walk with us in our grief of losing her. But what a wonderful way to gather together to celebrate Stephanie's light and legacy.
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