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The Lamb Center honored more than three decades of community service while raising a record $273,000 during its annual Hope and a Future Banquet.

More than 500 people attended the Oct. 9 event at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, where Mary Petersen received the inaugural Honorable Gerry Connolly Community Impact Award.

The award commemorates the late congressman’s commitment to public service and advocacy for Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents. Connolly’s wife, Catherine “Smitty” Smith, and daughter, Caitlin Connolly, presented the honor with U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw, Connolly’s former chief of staff and successor representing Virginia’s 11th District.

Petersen has served The Lamb Center for more than 30 years, beginning around the time it opened in 1992. A former chairman of its board of directors, she also helped lead fundraising for the organization’s current facility on Campbell Drive.

“Gerry loved the closeness of local service, the ability to see results,” Smith said. “He saw every act of kindness, large or small, as a way to strengthen the fabric of our community.”

She said recognizing Petersen, who has quietly helped others for decades, would have meant a great deal to her husband.

Executive Director Tara Ruszkowski said Petersen’s service made her a fitting choice for an award celebrating Connolly’s legacy. She also pointed to the community’s generosity and shared faith as evidence that hope remains abundant.

WGTS 91.9 radio personalities Claude Jennings and Jerry Woods emceed the banquet. Its $273,000 fundraising total was the largest since the event began.

Guests also heard from Dirk H. and Zuri M., two people who described how the center helped transform their lives.

Zuri, an Army veteran, spoke about her path from homelessness toward healing. Dirk’s connection to the center began when Fairfax City Police Officer Rick Cline found him struggling and encouraged him to seek help there. Both Dirk and Zuri are now housed.

The Lamb Center is a daytime resource center serving people experiencing homelessness in Fairfax. Its programs include meals, showers, laundry services, case management, employment opportunities, housing and job counseling, Bible studies, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, health care and dental services.

The Christian ecumenical organization serves people experiencing homelessness or poverty regardless of their race, religion, creed or other status.