Columbus House Honors Alison Cunningham’s Decades of Service
September 24, 2019
Over two hundred and fifty guests gathered at The Spring Glen Church’s Great Hall on September 19th to celebrate and bid farewell to Alison Cunningham, Columbus House’s former Chief Executive Officer who led the organization for the past 21 years. Alison started a new position at Yale Divinity School at the beginning of the semester where she is leading a program for students interested in becoming nonprofit leaders.
A committee comprised of former and current Columbus House Board members, former staff, and partners prepared a fun evening to see Alison into her next chapter of service. Guests dropped in between 5:30- 8:30 PM for food, drinks, and fun. A short program included remarks from former Board Chair and longtime supporter and volunteer Joe Pajor, a proclamation from State Representative Rosa DeLauro was presented to Alison, "The Rose" was sung by Sue Murphy, Executive Director Liberty Bank Foundation, to represent the hope that Alison has helped give to so many, and Board member Matt Cammarota announced the Alison Cunningham Growth and Independence Fund. A video booth was available for guests to record best wishes, memories, and thanks to Alison.
Hosts Spring Glen Church, UCC along with Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, Grace and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, United Church on the Green UCC, and Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven are donated a smorgasbord of delicious food much like they serve to our Shelter guests. Riverhouse Catering and Columbus House’s own kitchen also offered tastings. Black Hog Brewing contributed beer and Eder Bros. will provided wine.
Alison leaves behind a legacy of tremendous growth and expansion of programs designed to prevent and end homelessness. A staff of 170 will continue her passion for moving people out of homelessness, one person, and one day at a time.
In a letter on her last day, Alison praised staff for their inspiring dedication, compassion, enthusiasm, and energy, and gave a little advice, “Stay true to the mission… Keep the clients at the center of all that you do, and keep believing that someday we will end homelessness and be proud of the work that you are doing to help us reach that goal.”
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