Illuminight is our annual mission celebration event. As a community, we come together to support our cause, celebrate our successes, and recognize those who give so much of themselves for the greater good of humanity.
Illuminight Gala
March 22, 2024
Illuminight 2023 Photos
Illuminight 2023: Arrival Photos
Congratulations to the 2023 Award Winners!
Sgt. Allen Brinson
Columbia Police Department
Sgt. Brinson is recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership in his role as a supervisor to young officers, mentoring them through diverse life stages and modeling what it means to serve with compassion. He is described as thriving on being patient, and often steps up to help citizens in need, including when he was recently recognized for taking the time to change a taxi driver’s tire.
Christopher Emanuel
Second Baptist Teen After-School Center &
Sky is the Limit Foundation
Aiken, SC
Mr. Emanuel dedicates his time, love and compassion for the betterment of Aiken and
the youth that reside there. He works tirelessly to build bridges with students from impoverished neighborhoods and connect them with lessons and life skills that uplift them and others.
2024 Featured Speaker:
Chief Jason Armstrong
Chief Jason Armstrong currently serves as the police chief for the town of Apex, North Carolina. He was previously chief of police for the Ferguson Police Department (Missouri). Chief Armstrong is most known for his time in Ferguson where the department made significant reforms as part of their federal consent decree efforts, while working with stakeholders for sustainable community bridge-building.
Chief Armstrong is recognized as one of the nation’s top law enforcement leaders in the areas of community outreach & engagement and police reform. Chief Armstrong has a passion for sharing his experiences and learning lessons and is a sought-after contributor for media outlets, speaker events and trainings in the areas of leadership, police reform, crisis communications and community engagement. Chief Armstrong’s commitment to servant leadership has earned him several awards and honors throughout his career culminating in his 2023 selection for President Obama’s USA Leaders program.
Kassy Alia Ray
Serve & Connect
Founder & CEO
A special message from Kassy
Our mission was born from a profound sense of loss and heartbreak. After the passing of my husband Greg, the chasm of divisiveness and the negative narrative surrounding police and community deeply affected me, amplifying my grief. But in those times of darkness, our community rallied, wrapping us in love and affirming that Greg’s service and sacrifice were truly valued. This support laid the cornerstone for my healing journey.
Our story is a testament to the power of human connection, a truth that is present in communities around our nation every day. Greg once shared a profound insight, saying, “For every one negative story you hear, there are thousands of positive stories happening every day that go unnoticed.” Now, even years later, I continue to see the truth in his words as police and citizens unite daily to foster safer, healthier, and happier communities. This year at Illuminight we are ushering in an era of glamour and spotlight, themed around the golden age of Old Hollywood. We will celebrate the stars among us – our partners who are scripting compelling tales of hope and healing that often remain unsung. These narratives radiate positivity and are the foundation of the transformative change we see shaping the pathway for a better, united future.
Join us for a blockbuster evening of inspiration, adorned with the glitz and charm of Old Hollywood, and let’s fuel our mission for a brighter tomorrow, together. Every story of hope and healing we spotlight is a step towards rewriting the narrative and showcasing what is truly possible when we unite as one community.
Together, we are better. Together, there is hope.
A special thank you to the Illuminight 2024 presenting sponsor:
The City of Forest Acres. Without your support, this memorable event would not be possible.
