Zebra Misc

Tom and Magaly Hirst Honored with 2019 Champion for Children Award

Former Alexandria Mayor Kerry Donley with honorees Tom and Magaly Hirst at the Old Dominion Boat Club during the Annual CAC Gala.
(Photo: Jim Craige Photography)

ALEXANDRIA, VA- The Center for Alexandria’s Children (CAC) honored community philanthropists Tom and Magaly Hirst with its Champion of Children Award at the 10th annual CAC Gala on Thursday, April 4 before a gathering of community leaders and supporters.

“Tom and Magaly Hirst and the Mason Hirst Foundation have made a profound impact on Alexandria’s children,” former Champion for Children Honorees and Honorary Gala Co-Chairs, Rob Dugger & Lori Morris commented in making the award. “They exemplify a deep sense of caring for community. Since 2012, their foundation has awarded $658,500 in matching grants to support area non-profits. Through ACT for Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion online giving campaign, our community non-profit organizations have been able to double that amount. That’s over one million dollars for causes that are near and dear to their hearts.”

The Hirsts’ support has provided invaluable support for the Center’s work coordinating the first response to child abuse and neglect cases, specialized Learn & Playgroup programs for children age 0-5 years and child sexual abuse prevention training programs educating adults throughout the City.

“We are grateful we can play a small part in ensuring Alexandria’s abused and neglected receive protection from harm, legal assistance and healing services,” Mr. and Mrs. Hirst commented. “The impact abuse and neglect creates in childhood lasts a lifetime. Our ultimate goal is prevention through training and education. But, for those who have already been impacted, we strive to help them find closure, heal and move on with their lives.”

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, the award-winning Alexandria news publication she founded in 2010 with a mission of celebrating community, culture, and all the good news happening across the city. A longtime community advocate and storyteller, Mary was selected for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce inaugural 40 Under 40 class and has served as President of Living Legends of Alexandria since 2022. Known for her deep local roots, sharp editorial instincts, and passion for connecting people through journalism, she has spent decades chronicling the personalities, businesses, events, and civic life that make Alexandria unique. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, and has been part of Alexandria’s publishing and media community since 1987.

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