Meet our Co-Chairs for Hope Blossoms 2026!

March 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 11, 2026
Contact: Ellen Toups at etoups@stanns.org; 301-559-5500

ERIC, KYLE, AND THOMAS HEIDENBERGER WILL CHAIR ST. ANN'S SPRING EVENT

Close-knit cousins will honor legacies of Steve and Michele Heidenberger at Hope Blossoms 2026

Washington, D.C. - Sister Nancy Downing, CEO of St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth & Families, announced today that Eric, Kyle, and Thomas Heidenberger will serve as Co-Chairs of the organization's annual Hope Blossoms reception and awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD.

Eric, Kyle, and Thomas grew up steeped in their extended family's commitment to helping women and children at St. Ann's Center. Now, the trio will deepen this legacy by chairing Hope Blossoms, as they specially honor Kyle's father Steve Heidenberger † (1955-2020) and Thomas' mother Michele Heidenberger † (1949-2001), whose lasting impact at St. Ann's Center continues to inspire the next generation.

"We are beyond blessed that Eric, Kyle, and Thomas - each of whom has influenced our mission - will now come together into this exciting role for St. Ann's Center in honor of Steve and Michele," said Sister Nancy Downing.

"Michele and Steve gave years of their lives to St. Ann's Center. Michele volunteered faithfully from the 1990s through 2001, and Steve continued that commitment, joining the Board in 2012 and serving with dedication through 2020. As volunteers and donors, they believed in the dignity and potential of every mother and child served here. We are proud to recognize their generosity and the lasting impact of their leadership."

Hope Blossoms, St. Ann's Center's flagship annual Spring event, drew 300 guests last year and raised more than $575,000 for the Center's programs helping women and their children overcome crisis and homelessness.

"This moment is full circle for us," said Eric, Kyle, and Thomas in a shared message. "We are happy to come together to honor both Steve and Michele, while making a positive impact for St. Ann's Center."

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Columbia Country Club, Chevy Chase, MD
Event Co-Chairs: Eric, Kyle, and Thomas Heidenberger
Tickets and Sponsorships: Click HERE!

St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth & Families is one of the longest continuously-serving social service agencies in the Washington, D.C. area. Founded by the Daughters of Charity in 1860, today St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.

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Hope Blossoms 2026
Tickets & Sponsorships - Click Here!

For highlights from Hope Blossoms 2025, click here: https://www.cathstan.org/local/st-anns-center-honors-michael-steele-order-of-malta-at-hope-blossoms-gala

About St. Ann's Center

St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.