2026 Dare to Understand® Awards Ceremony
Time: 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Location: Congregation Beth Am Israel, 1301 Hagys Ford Rd, Penn Valley, PA 19072
Celebrating:
Abby Stamelman Hocky
Founder · Visionary · Leader
Celebrating 22 years of extraordinary leadership and service to Interfaith Philadelphia
Abby Stamelman Hocky leads with integrity, imagination, and energy. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Abby has been moved by her soft, welcoming aura, and forever changed by her empathy and deep value of the importance of understanding one another. Abby’s passion for interfaith work, which began before she created Interfaith Philadelphia, has left an irreversible mark on our region.
As Abby steps into her next chapter, join us to celebrate her remarkable contributions and honor her legacy – one of curiosity, openness, and a commitment to a just and compassionate society.
Abby once said, “We will not let the fire stop until the light shines on everyone.” On May 31st, we shine the light on her.
Featuring:
Musical performance by singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer
About the Dare to Understand® Award
Interfaith Philadelphia’s Dare to Understand® Award honors individuals, communities, and businesses of distinction that have championed the work of interfaith engagement and understanding across lines of difference.
Awardees lead their communities by example, demonstrating humility, curiosity, and respect, qualities imperative in interfaith work.
Dare to Understand Award Past Recipients
Sponsors: Thank you for your support!
Trailblazer
$25,000+
Margaret Barry and Jeffrey Abrams
Rev. Richard Fernandez and Eloise Chevrier
Sankey and Connie Williams
Bruce and Nancy Winn
Change-Maker
$15,000
The Gallagher Family
Innovator
$10,000
Bridge-Builder
$5,000
Sally and Lawrence Silverman
Ashley Rivera
Heather Templeton Dill
Steven and Tamra Zebovitz
Friend
$2,500
Dr. Tiffenia Archie
Horsham Monthly Meeting
Brent and Laurel Landau
Dr. Kelly and Matthew McClure
Bart and Barbra Mellits
Ashley Rivera
Sustainer
$1,000
Tami Astorino
Rachel Aucott
Ed Beckett
Dorothy and Lach Brown
Rev. Carolyn Cavaness
Carrie Gish and Marc Rockford
Dr. Charmaine Green
Terry Lai
Beth and John Dugan
Ricki and Steven Fisher
Vance and John Fernandez
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Jeff Pasek
Michelle and Hon. Kent Jordan
Milan and Leslie Kunz
Gary and Lynn Laurino
Rabbi Jill Maderer
Linda and Laddie Montague
Elizabeth Pincus Rubin and Bruce D. Rubin
Keith and Lisa Primeau
Jonathan Shahar
Randi Siegel Harris and John Harris
Cynthia Stewart and George Deming
Melissa Slauson
Elizabeth Weiler and James Shanahan
Questions? Need Additional Information?
For more information about this event, please contact Sara Zebovitz using the contact details found here.
