2024 Annual Hearth Gala: Inspire Action

Each year Hearth holds its annual gala fundraising event and this year our theme was Inspire Action. During the gala, we recognize an individual who is committed to ending elder homelessness and is presented with the “Anna Bissonnette Award,” named after one of Hearth’s founders. 

This year Gordon Wayne, a 23-year -old from Caroline County in rural Central Virginia was our honoree. As Gordon shared his story, the audience of 150+ sat quietly in awe. At 18 years of age, Gordon found himself alone and homeless, living in his car for shelter. He managed to attend community college days, earning an associate degree with an impressive 4.0 average while working nights and living in his car. 

The depression and loneliness, along with the day to day struggle to survive, began to take a toll on Gordon. But he did not give up; he persevered, applying to four-year colleges as a transfer student, hoping for a full scholarship. He knew college would provide him with an opportunity for a future and a place to live. Gordon received a full scholarship to Boston College Carroll School of Management. 

Grateful for the opportunity and wanting to give back, he committed to walk over 500 miles from rural Virginia to Boston College. He created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the National Alliance to End Homelessness. 

After graduating from BC, Gordon applied to law school. He was accepted into Georgia University’s School of Law on a full scholarship. Once again, he realized the magnitude of this opportunity and wanted to give back not wanting to forget those who remain homeless. Gordon committed to walking from Virginia to Georgia, another 500+ mile journey.  In total, Gordon raised over $200,000 for the National Alliance to End Homelessness. 

Today, Gordon is in his second year of law school and committed to ending homelessness. When Gordon finished sharing his story, the audience rose to their feet. 

Gordon took action to not only help himself, but to help others. He inspired many on his journey and in his young life. Gordon did not just accept the gifts and opportunities for himself, he thought of others and how he could use his gift to help those in need.  

Gordon and his incredible journey, Inspired Action for many that evening, and his young legacy will have a lasting impact on the work we do at Hearth. We are thankful for his commitment to ending homelessness and are forever grateful that he is now part of the Hearth community.