Interfaith Philadelphia

What a night!

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday's 2026 Dare to Understand Awards celebration honoring Abby Stamelman Hocky and her extraordinary legacy.

It was a beautiful evening filled with moving music from Carrie Newcomer, heartfelt memories from friends and colleagues, a meaningful interfaith blessing ceremony, and a resolution from the City of Philadelphia delivered by Councilmember Rue Landau.

Words cannot fully capture the love, gratitude, and inspiration that filled the room.

We are also deeply grateful for the generosity of our community as we work to grow the newly established Abby Stamelman Hocky Legacy Fund by nearly $80,000. This fund will help ensure that Abby's dream that Interfaith Philadelphia's mission of building understanding across differences continues to thrive for generations to come.

If you would like to contribute to the Legacy Fund, you can do so here: https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/donate/

A heartfelt thank you as well to our sponsors, whose support made this unforgettable evening possible.

Thank you to Univest Financial for supporting the 2026 Dare to Understand Awards as a valued sponsor. Their commitment to community and connection helps make this special evening possible.

Join us as we celebrate Abby Stamelman Hocky, visionary founder of Interfaith Philadelphia, and her lasting impact on the interfaith community.

There’s still time to get your ticket for Sunday, May 31, at 7:00 PM.

Get them here: https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/dtu2026/

With just 10 days until the Dare to Understand® Awards, now is the time to secure your ticket. Join us for this special evening of celebration, reflection, and community.

Join us as we celebrate Executive Director Abby Stamelman Hocky and the incredible impact she has made on Interfaith Philadelphia.

Join us Sunday, May 31st! https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/dtu2026/

We’re honored to once again serve as a partner for this important event through our Zones of Peace initiative.

Zones of Peace brings together churches, synagogues, mosques, schools, community organizations, and neighbors to address the root causes of violence and help create safer communities for all.

We uplift organizations leading community-centered responses to violence. Learn more about Zones of Peace and how your organization can be recognized:
https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/zones-of-peace/

On Jun 5, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, we will collaborate with University of Pennsylvania’s Office of the Chaplain, Interfaith Philadelphia and many other local partners for Toll the Bell, a city-wide sound installation bringing greater awareness to the gun violence epidemic affecting our city and the nation. Learn more: PennLiveArts.org/TolltheBell

Indigenous women leaders Kaitlin B. Curtice & Trinity Norwood will facilitate our next Visionary Women program!

Join us for a powerful, outdoor gathering (weather permitting) centered on listening, learning, and connection

Together, we’ll:
• Connect with one another
• Deepen understanding of Indigenous experiences
• Reflect on allyship & solidarity

This is the final program in our 2026 Visionary Women series—centering the theme Standing With and closing with a meaningful ritual of connection.

First time joining? You’re welcome here. Register to save your spot!
https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/events/visionary-women-2026/

We are proud to celebrate the powerful work of Interfaith Philadelphia and their commitment to building bridges across communities.

Through initiatives like the Dare to Understand® Award, individuals, organizations, and businesses are being recognized for leading with humility, curiosity, and respect—qualities that are essential in fostering true connection across lines of difference.

This work is more than recognition—it’s a movement. A call for all of us to listen more deeply, engage more intentionally, and lead with understanding.

Let’s continue to honor those who are creating space for dialogue, unity, and meaningful change.

We’re excited to welcome IP board member Bridgett Battles for a social media takeover tomorrow!

Follow along for stories and reflections on building bridges across faiths.

Bridgett Battles

We had an amazing “Ride for Understanding” this weekend!

Many thanks to all who came out to support.

There’s still time to give! Go to https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/campaign/ride-for-understanding-2026

Abby Stamelman Hocky Karen Schumann Scoles Amy Kurtzman Katz Max Dugan