A Night of Celebration and Renewed Purpose
On March 13, the Zimele community gathered at Seasons in Washington Township, NJ for the 2026 Zimele Spring Gala, an evening of celebration, reflection, and shared purpose.
It was a night to celebrate impact.
To honor the women at the heart of Zimele’s work.
And to look ahead—together.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a renewed sense of energy in the room—an excitement and deep conviction that this work matters, and that even more is possible in the year ahead.
Because of this incredible community, we had one of the most successful galas ever, raising over $75,000 that will continue to expand and deepen Zimele’s work in rural South Africa.
One of the most powerful moments of the night was honoring Reverend Stephen Sharkey, who has championed Zimele’s mission for 17 years. His steadfast commitment and leadership have helped elevate a vision rooted in dignity, opportunity, and partnership.
More than that, he understands—deeply—the life-changing work that happens through Zimele, and considers it a privilege to invest in what he calls a “miracle.”
In his remarks, he captured the heart of Zimele’s approach:
“This isn’t charity… This is an investment—an investment in a human fund that is paying miraculous dividends.”
He went on to describe the quiet, transformative power of communities recognizing and using what they already have—turning small, faithful steps into lasting change.
It was a message that resonated deeply throughout the room.
As we left, we carried with us a simple but powerful invitation—to consider what each of us already holds, and how it might be used to create opportunity and lasting change.
This night would not have been possible without the dedication of our ambassadors, volunteers, and generous sponsors. Thank you for making this night a success! Your support created an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and impact—one that will ripple far beyond a single night.
