By Invitation · 25th Anniversary
A Weekend in Jackson with Together for Hope
October 21–24, 2026 · Jackson, Mississippi
For 25 years, Together for Hope has worked alongside communities in the Delta, the Black Belt, Appalachia, and across Tribal Nations, Texas, and the Four Corners. This October we would like to show you what that work looks like on the ground. Join us in Jackson for the 25th Anniversary Gala and a guided day in the communities where Together for Hope began.
The Weekend
Arrive Wednesday or Thursday. Fly home Saturday.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 · Optional Early Arrival
| Afternoon | Check in at the Westin Jackson |
| 5:30 p.m. | Welcome reception at Together for Hope headquarters, 2906 North State Street in Fondren, with staff and coalition leaders from all four regions |
| 7:00 p.m. | Private dinner for donors and board members at a Fondren restaurant, with a tour of the TFH offices beforehand [venue to be confirmed] |
Thursday, Oct. 22 · Gala Day
| Morning | Brunch for early arrivals, hosted by Natalie Aho |
| 1:30 p.m. | Screening of Rising Hope, the documentary on Together for Hope directed by Theo Avgerinos, at a local theater |
| Afternoon | Free time for lunch on your own. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center are near the Westin. Fondren’s shops, galleries, and restaurants are a short walk from Together for Hope headquarters. |
| 6:30 p.m. | 25th Anniversary Gala at the Westin Jackson. Cocktail hour with live music, then dinner and comedy from Emmy winner Rita Brent. We will share news about the next chapter of Together for Hope that evening, and the dancing runs until 9:00. |
Friday, Oct. 23 · Immersion Day
| 12:00 p.m. | Closing keynote of the Annual Meeting [speaker to be announced] |
| 1:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. |
Immersion experience. A guided bus tour of the Delta and historic sites, with time in the communities where this work started. Seating is limited to the bus. |
| 7:30 p.m. | Donor dinner with Jason Coker and Natalie Aho [venue to be confirmed] |
Saturday, Oct. 24
| Morning | Departures. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is about 20 minutes from the Westin. |
Reservations
Choose your weekend
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Weekend | $375 | Wednesday reception and dinner, Thursday brunch and Rising Hope screening, Gala, Friday keynote, immersion experience, and Friday dinner |
| Gala Only | $100 | One seat at the 25th Anniversary Gala |
| Gala Table Patron | $150 | Priority seating and program recognition at the 25th Anniversary Gala |
| Gala Table | $1,000 | A reserved table for 8 at the Gala with recognition in the program |
Immersion seating is limited and reserved for weekend guests. Sponsors at the Invest level and above receive immersion seats as part of their sponsorship.
Hotel and Travel
Where to stay
|
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Westin Jackson, where the Gala will be held. Rooms are $169 per night. The block is small, so we encourage you to book early. The group rate closes Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Westin Jackson |
Book Your Room |
Fly into Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN). Plan to land by mid-afternoon Wednesday for the 5:30 cocktail hour, or by mid-afternoon Thursday for the Gala at 6:30. Saturday departures work at any time. Transportation between the Westin, Fondren, and the immersion bus departure point will be provided.
The good people are already there. Come meet them.
Questions or travel help: Natalie Aho, Chief Development Officer, natalie@tfhope.org · 919 482 6548