Gaithersburg, MD November 2025

LIFE + CULTURE

THE SLEDGES: MARYLAND’S GIVING COUPLE

HEALTH + WELLNESS

FOOD + BEVERAGE

THANKSGIVING HOSTING HACKS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PAWS WITH PURPOSE

CARING PILOTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

The Gratitude Issue

In this season of gratitude, I find myself pausing a little more often—sometimes over my morning coffee, sometimes during an afternoon walk— and really taking in the small moments that make life meaningful.

Lately, I’ve been especially grateful for the people around me. A recent highlight was gathering with my family for a simple Sunday dinner—kids laughing, stories being told, and the comfort of being together. It reminded me that gratitude doesn’t always come in grand gestures; it’s often tucked into the everyday.

This issue is about just that—celebrating the people, places, and organizations that make Gaithersburg such a special community. From educators shaping the next generation to local events that bring us together, these stories reflect the heartbeat of our city.

I’m endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, who make it possible for us to share these stories each month, and for you, our readers, who give them life.

Here’s to a season filled with gratitude, connection, and moments that truly matter.

ADAM TAYLOR, PUBLISHER

@GAITHERSBURGCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Adam Taylor | adam.taylor@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Anicia Juarez | anicia.juarez@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

KC Cole | kc.cole@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Debra Wallace, Elle Carrington

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Louis Lee, Christina Booth, Ellen Zangla

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Potomac Lifestyle hosted the 7th Annual Ice Cream Social at Park Potomac, collecting 660 backpacks, $3,000 in support, and helping over 2,500 students. Thank you to the Park Potomac Condo Association, Foulger Pratt, Santana Moss-89 Ways to Give, sponsors, and partners. Watch our highlight video for event moments and sponsor list! 1: Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Mid Atlantic 2: Global Children’s Network 3: Children’s National Blood Drive Mobile donations helped over 80 children in need 4: Howard County Game Truck for every party! 5: Interfaith Works, Potomac Lifestyle, Global Children’s Network, and Park Potomac Condo Ass.

Comfort Cases (Winner Large Nominated by Gaithersburg Chamber)

Comfort Cases was recognized by the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) as the Large Nonprofit of the Year at their 2025 Annual Chamber Picnic with a Purpose. The award celebrates Comfort Cases' work providing "Comfort Cases" filled with personal items to youth in foster care, an initiative started by founders Rob and Reece Scheer to bring dignity and hope to children often given trash bags for their belongings.

Moms on a Mission Luncheon Napkin Network

Don't miss the "Moms on a Mission" 3rd annual fundraiser by The Napkin Network. The event is bringing together 100 of the Washington area’s most passionate supporters of moms and babies for an inspiring afternoon. Guests will enjoy a delicious three-course meal, connect with community leaders, and hear from dynamic speakers and special guests who share our mission of uplifting mothers in need.

Why Choose Us?

Experienced & Caring Educators – Our passionate team supports each child’s unique growth.

Engaging Curriculum – Hands-on activities in literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning.

Safe & Inclusive Space – A welcoming environment where every child feels valued.

Flexible Programs – Full-time, part-time, and preschool options for busy families.

ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY

HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM EDWARD AND CHRISTINA SLEDGE FOCUS ON FAMILY, PHILANTHROPY, AND COMMUNITY

GIVING BACK

When it comes to hitting one out of the park,  Christina and Edward “Eddie” Sledge not only created a media company in the middle of a pandemic, but they are also using  Sledge House

“OUR

focused on books, short films, a radio show, podcasts, and more.

Now, taking all of these a step further, they enjoy working as publishing consultants to share the untold stories

LEGACY IS ABOUT STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF...AND ALWAYS HAVING FAITH AND INTEGRITY.”

Media to share their own remarkable love story, while remaining focused on giving back to the greater community.

The couple, who were former high school sweethearts, met up again before Christmas in 1999, when he was home on leave from the U.S. Army, and the spark was rekindled. Soon after, Eddie proposed, and two months later, they eloped. They have been married for 25 years and are the loving parents of two daughters, Tiara, 24, and Olivia, 17.

“After we said ‘I do,’ in the middle of a snowstorm with only two quarters in our pockets, I called my father and he sent us $50 by Western Union that I used to get two combos at KFC; it was our first meal as a married couple,” Eddie recently told Gaithersburg Lifestyle Magazine.

They self-published a book, and later produced a movie about their lovely story of romance and faith, aptly called Joined by Fate.

Several years ago, they couldn’t have imagined they would build a successful marriage as well as a media company

of the average person and help them market their creative endeavors.

One project led to another, and now the highly successful media mavens are looking to continue the momentum and realize their dream of philanthropy.

WHY GIVING BACK MATTERS

Philanthropy, especially in and around Gaithersburg and the Potomac, is part of the fabric of the Sledge House family. Much of this stems from Eddie’s childhood. When Eddie was 12 years old, his family’s apartment caught on fire.

His father helped everyone get out of the house, and “the first people on the scene to help his family were from the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. This always stuck in the back of my mind,” Eddie recalled.

Christina remembers her great-grandmother, Enid, an immigrant from Panama, coming to Brooklyn during the depression without resources.

“The Salvation Army sourced their first Thanksgiving dinner,” she said,

“My great-grandmother, who was extremely influential in my life, always gave back. All of this remains near and dear to both of our hearts.”

Christina is also a member of the  American Red Cross in Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick County Chapters' board and is involved with several other charitable organizations.

A TOUCHING CHILDREN’S BOOK, A DAY AT SHEA

Most of Eddie and Christina’s books and other media projects are rooted in their life stories, which overlap when it comes to faith, family, community, and philanthropy.

When Eddie was nine years old, he had a sleepover at his friend’s house, and while eating cereal the next morning, he saw a coupon on the box for a free ticket to Shea Stadium to see the Mets play. His friend said he could have it, but he knew his parents couldn’t take him.

“So, I redeemed soda bottles for cash at the corner store, headed to the subway station nearby, and found out how much it cost to get to the stadium,” Eddie said.

“I took the train, followed the crowd, and handed in my ticket to the nosebleed section. I watched the game until it was time to go home. This stayed in the back of my mind when we decided to write a children’s book.”

When Christina first heard this story, she “understood how much of a baseball fan my husband was and realized some children never get to enjoy this quintessential American experience.”

So, in the spirit of giving back, when the couple had the opportunity to partner their media company with the Brooklyn Cyclones, they sponsored the

“FOR US, TO GIVE BACK TO CHILDREN WAS SO IMPORTANT.”

team’s reading program. Children who read four books received two free tickets to a game, so they wouldn’t have to go alone like Eddie did. “For us, to give back to children was so important.”

By sponsoring a game, they received 200 free tickets that they, in turn, donated to first responders and their families. “It was the most rewarding feeling when we met the children and their parents at the game,” she said. “It became a true family event and started a tradition for them.”

These parents of two daughters have taught the next generation about the importance of finding a path that fuels their passion.

“Our daughters know if we say we are going to do something, we do it,” Christina said. “Our legacy is about staying true to yourself, being a good person, and always having faith and integrity.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: Website: SledgeHouseMedia.com

Instagram: @SledgeHouseMedia Facebook: @SledgeHouseMedia Radio Show & Podcast:  sledgehousemedia.com/lounging American Red Cross:  redcross.org/donate/donation RedCross.org/Give Salvation Army:  give.virginiasalvationarmy. org/give/323240

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh

Groceries

• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Prep Meals & Set the Table

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

1 DAY BEFORE

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

Adam turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Gathersburg

City Lifestyle

Published by Adam Loved by Gaithersburg

AROUND TOWN

ARTICLE BY ELLE CARRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

November 1 & The Newest Flavors in the Area

SKYWATCHING: ASTRONOMY FUN

Observatory Park, Gaithersburg, MD

Family stargazing brings wonder and curiosity under the night sky. A perfect evening of gratitude for nature’s nightly show. eventbrite.com

November 8

OPEN BOOK CHOCOLATES POP-UP

My Big Finds, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD

Indulge in artisan chocolate and holiday gifts while meeting local makers. This pop-up celebrates gratitude for small businesses and handmade traditions. openbookchocolates.com

November 11

VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg, MD

The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This special ceremony honors and recognizes all U.S. military personnel for their vital role in safeguarding our nation and future. gaithersburgmd.gov

November 16

MARYLAND STEM FESTIVAL

CLOSING CEREMONY DAY Gaithersburg Library

The 2025 Maryland STEM Festival is getting a big send-off at the Gaithersburg Library on November 16th from 1-4 pm.,

The Closing Ceremony will feature speeches by esteemed leaders in the STEM community, interactive STEM activities, and fascinating demonstrations highlighting the latest advancements and innovations. Additionally, light refreshments will be provided for all attendees.  marylandstemfestival.org

November 22

WHITE HAT GALA (CHILDREN’S NATIONAL FOUNDATION)

Union Station, Washington, DC

Join regional philanthropists at this premier benefit supporting children’s healthcare—blending social connection, gratitude, and hope for brighter futures. foundation.childrensnational.org

November 23 – December 31

WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD

A dazzling drive-through featuring over 450 festive light displays—this Gaithersburg tradition brings families together and celebrates the spirit of the season. gaithersburgmd.gov

November 23 – January 5

LUMINOCITY HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD

Immersive light displays and giant lantern sculptures create a festive wonderland that ignites the holiday season, inspiring awe, reflection, and community connection for all ages. luminocityfestival.com

November 23

SIP & SPARKLE

Union Station, Washington, DC

Experience tastings, live music, selfies with Santa, and a magical trolley ride at Winter Lights’ Sip & Sparkle (formerly Wine Under the Lights). Bring a blanket for a cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride before or after enjoying activities in the heated tent. gaithersburgmd.gov

November 23

ARTS BARN HOLIDAY

ARTISAN MARKET

Arts Barn, Gaithersburg, MD

The Arts Barn Holiday Artisan Market showcases one-of-a-kind, handmade items created by artists from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). This festive event invites the community to shop unique gifts, meet local makers, and learn more about their creative process. gaithersburgmd.gov

November 24th

WALK & WAG

Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD

Treat your pooch or grab your friends and family and take a leisurely 1-mile stroll or an invigorating 3-mile walk at Walk & Wag. Experience more than 450 magical light displays up close. Enjoy hot drinks and take a selfie with Santa (bring your own camera). A food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase. gaithersburgmd.gov

November 29

– December 1

KENNEDY KRIEGER FESTIVAL OF TREES

Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD

Hundreds of decorated trees, crafts, and live entertainment fill this beloved festival while raising funds for children’s programs. A joyful mix of fun and fundraising. kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees

November (select evenings)

S’MORE LIGHTS

Montgomery Parks, Various Locations. Families gather for marshmallow roasting by fire pits paired with twinkling light displays. A simple, heartwarming way to spark gratitude for warmth, connection, and seasonal joy. gaithersburgmd.gov

November (ongoing)

CABIN JOHN VILLAGE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Potomac, MD

Seasonal markets, small business showcases, and wellness programs transform Cabin John Village into a hub of gratitude and connection.  cjvillage.com/events

Caring Pilots Make a Difference for Families in Need

TAKING TO THE SKIES TO HELP CHILDREN AND VETERANS

ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE

"Our families are dealing with so much –  pain, finances, and an uncertain future – and are quite honored that someone cares enough to gift them a flight.”

In 2010, a group of pilots got together to offer free flights for medical care for sick children undergoing treatment and it’s still going strong.

The impactful nonprofit,  Patient AirLiftServices (PALS SkyHope), encourages pilots to use their skills for the greater good. These caring pilots donate their time, aircraft, and fuel, while donations and various fundraising efforts pay for the recruitment of pilots, and passengers, and the coordination of flights.

A staggering 6.5 million miles have been flown by the 600 active volunteer pilots who have helped some 3,200 families on 31,000 flights. Headquarters are at the Republic Airport on Long Island, New York, and there is also a strong presence at the Montgomery County Airport (the Gaithersburg Airpark). One Gaithersburg pilot has flown 32 charity flights in the year and a half since he joined the PALS team.

Another important aspect of this endeavor is that many of the patients are children with rare diseases, so instead of long drive times to premiere medical centers, they benefit from private air travel and less exposure to crowds.

“Most of our young patients either have a rare disease or cancer and they don’t reside near a specialty center that treats their particular problem or they are eligible for a unique clinical trial, and an eight-hour car drive will take too much toll on them and their families,” explains PALS Director of Development and Marketing, Brook Leighton.

“PALS makes traveling for their needed medical treatment a lot less difficult,” Leighton says. “Our families are dealing with so much -- pain, financial issues, and an uncertain future – and are quite honored that someone cares enough to gift them a flight. For children, the flight

is a fun adventure they look forward to amid all of the non-fun stuff they are confronted with.”

Families typically hear about PALS from doctors or social workers, and their initial reaction to finding out that they will be flown as many times as the child needs at no cost is that it’s too good to be true. “Hearing about our program allows everyone involved to breathe a little bit easier,” she says.

“We have a gentleman who travels from Maine to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer in New York. I do not doubt that without the treatment, this lovely man would not still be with us.”

PALS also provides combat veterans with PTSD camps with adaptive sports, retreats, and morale-boosting Major League Baseball games where they are often given special seats and recognized by the announcers.

“There is a serious mental health crisis for U.S. veterans,” Leighton says, “we fly them to therapeutic programs where they can re-invent themselves with support; it’s something we are extremely proud of.”

After four years, Leighton has grown to know many families extremely well, and her work has become personal. “It starts with random names and random pilots, but then it becomes very emotional. Soon, all of us are rooting for them,” she explains.

“The patients love and appreciate the pilots so much, and the pilots are in awe of the patients, and so, we’re the glue that puts them together,” she says. “There are times when we can see that these children are in a terrible state, but later on the parents will send us a video of them running around their backyards or even skiing!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: palservices.org

Brook.leighton@palservices.org

To donate go to: Palsservices.org/donate Call: 1-888-818-1231

“Our families are dealing with so much –   pain, finances, and an uncertain future – and are quite honored that someone cares enough to gift them a flight.”

PAWS WITH PURPOSE

HOW STARFLEET SERVICE DOGS IS REDEFINING TRAINING FOR WORKING DOGS

ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLEN ZANGLA

When trailblazing scientist and animal advocate, Dr. Jennifer Barnhard, instructs her eight-week-old Siberian husky, Dauntless, for a future career, she knows she is changing her corner of the world.

Dauntless doesn’t have a career yet, but the pup is learning foundational skills for search and rescue, water res cue, and service work. As she grows and her personality develops, her career path will become clear.

Dauntless recently joined Dr. Barnhard’s non-profit,  (Starfleet), as a working dog prospect.

Many dogs are not cut out for the pet dog life. Barnhard began Starfleet in 2013, adopting shelter dogs and train ing them to be service dogs for people with disabilities.

She began by identifying shelter dogs with a strong desire to work. “Our mis sion is to help dogs who thrive when given a job, especially those waiting in shelters for a second chance,” she explains. “My role is to discover their natural talents, teach them how to apply and blend those skills, and find the per fect job that suits them.”

Starfleet, located in Cabin John, Maryland, has graduated more than 175 service dog and handler teams and has assisted the training of over 1200 working animals.

Most clients come from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. As a nonprofit, monetary donations and local volunteers are always welcome. Since Starfleet does not operate a kennel, every one of their animals lives with a client or trainer, and these teams are working every day in the broader community.

These dogs are labeled as service dogs or service dogs in training, so the public refrains from distracting them while they are working, but they are always happy to demonstrate their skills. “The dogs love to show off retrieving their handler’s phone, or performing a task that can be lifesaving”.

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At Starfleet, the mission is to train service dogs and build partnerships empowering people with disabilities to pursue their goals. The multipurpose service dogs are trained for the handlers’ unique needs, supporting mobility, allergen detection, medical alert and response, PTSD, and much more.

But just as important as training and finding the right handler-canine match, Starfleet supports its teams for their lifetime. Barnhard is proud that the human recipients can chase their dreams, including finishing school, building careers, raising families, contributing to communities, and even traveling the world.

Dr. Barnhard trained service dogs for others before her life was forever changed by her now service dog, Spock, a husky mix. Barnhard grew up with a then-unknown allergy in foods, shampoos, soaps, and medications, leading to trying more than a dozen medications and severely limiting what she could eat outside of her home.

Spock was in the back room of a shelter moments away from being euthanized. “I knew that he needed help, and [his] behaviors … that made him reasonably unadoptable at the shelter, would later be turned to skills to save my life.”

Spock, taught to detect gelatin/alpha-gal to prevent anaphylaxis, has been at Barnhard’s side while she earned four academic degrees, including her veterinary doctorate, and has successfully traveled with her to 31 countries.

“Spock has given me the freedom to explore, experience new cultures, and go through life with my best friend,” Dr. Barnhard explains. Spock is 14 years old now, still working while teaching the next generation.

“My younger service dog, Isaac, a rescue German Shepherd, is learning the ropes. Isaac and I are breaking new ground for professionals with service dogs,” she adds.

Barnhard and Isaac teach canine fitness to other working dogs to keep them in optimal condition. In addition to service work,

CONTINUED >

“My rescue dog, Spock, has given me the freedom to explore, experience new cultures, and go through life with my best friend.”

—DR. JENNIFER BARNHARD

they are training in search-and-rescue and water rescue. Isaac is also working towards certification as a K-9 lifeguard by the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue.

The latest Starfleet initiative, built on a decade of research and practical experience, is Working Animals Veterinary Care and Education (WAVE), including veterinarians, scientists, physicians, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals, to rewrite the standard for husbandry and working animals.

“This is about making sure the animals get the care that they need,” she says, “at the same time elevating them to be seen as the athletes, career partners, and family members that they are.”

FOR MORE ON STARFLEET SERVICE DOGS, GO TO:

Website: starfleetservicedogs.org

Email: drjenniferbarnhard@gmail.com

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H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.