Virtual gala benefitting MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation raises more than $200,000

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The Malivai Washington Youth Foundation held its first virtual gala, “A Night of Hope,” sponsored by Merrill Lynch, on Oct. 9, which raised more than $213,000. These funds will allow the foundation to continue serving hope to hundreds of children and families in Jacksonville through its comprehensive youth development program.

The event, hosted by Curtis Dvorak, featured a message from founder MaliVai Washington, a look inside MWYF’s new teen center, testimonials from alumni and a live and silent auction.

Former world No. 1 women's tennis player and Olympic gold medalist, Lindsay Davenport, joined the foundation as their special guest for a Q&A session.

“A Night of Hope” also honored the recipients of the Foundation’s annual scholarship awards. Throughout its 24-year history, MWYF has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships to be used for higher education. The winner of the foundation’s highest honor, the George M. Soper Student Athlete of the Year Award, was given to 12th-grade student Mya Sudduth, who spoke at “A Night of Hope.” 

“A Night of Hope” can be viewed at malwashington.com/gala and donations can be made to the Foundation at malwashington.com/donate.

“Holding this event virtually has taken a tremendous amount of work and support which could not have happened without our sponsors, staff, volunteers and donors,” Washington said.