VersAbility Resources raised a total of $94,093 at its 16th annual Gala presented by Old Point National Bank held Oct. 20, 2023, at the City Center Marriott in Newport News.
![A woman wearing a blue dress smiles and waves from behind a podium.](https://versability.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/versability-gala-10-20-2023-60-min-1024x780-5623005.jpg)
The funds raised exceeded totals from the last three years to support the nonprofit’s mission to empower people with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives of their choosing.
![A man in a suit and a man in a blue shirt smile with their arms around each other's shoulders.](https://versability.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/versability-gala-10-20-2023-51-min-1024x711-4639873.jpg)
“We’re grateful to everyone who had a role in making our signature fundraiser a special evening,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of the Hampton nonprofit. “Everything raised goes toward our mission of creating diverse opportunities for people with disabilities.”
![A group of three women and one man wearing formal attire pose in front of their table and smile.](https://versability.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/versability-gala-10-20-2023-25-min-1024x742-7851563.jpg)
The evening called Havana Nights included a silent auction with donations from a variety of Hampton Roads businesses, a buffet dinner, casino games and a raffle. The Original Rhondels provided live music with a full seven-piece band. Guests were introduced to a graduate of VersAbility’s Future of Work program who is now prepared to enter the workforce as a welder. Future of Work offers career training, certifications, and wraparound support services for people with disabilities in high-demand career fields.
![A man wearing a hat receives a piece of money while a woman wearing a red dress stands behind him.](https://versability.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/versability-gala-10-20-2023-14-min-1024x754-5686841.jpg)
VersAbility serves more than 1,500 people and their families with disabilities with programs in early childhood, student services, day support and residential. A diverse range of employment programs help people with disabilities find meaningful work.