The Friends of UCM hosted a sold-out crowd at Knights of Columbus Hall in Alexandria for the 22nd annual Capitol Steps Benefit for UCM on Jan. 26. The event raised more than $66,500 for UCM to help impoverished families and individuals in the community.

The presenting sponsor was Doug and Eileen Kennett. Other event sponsors included Anniversary Partners: Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics I.A.F.F. Local 2068, Gigi Hyland and Chris Revere, Information Technology Solutions & Consulting, LLC (ITSC), and Elaine Kolish and David FitzGerald - as well as Founder sponsor Drs. James and Melissa Thiel. The full list of sponsors is available at the UCM website at www.ucmagency.org.

UCM is celebrating its 45th anniversary of service to the community in 2014. The Friends of UCM are hosting the 45th Anniversary Spring Gala on Saturday, March 29, at the Madison Atrium, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in Old Town Alexandria. The event includes cocktails, silent and live auction, a raffle for a resort vacation, dinner, and dancing with Tower House. Tickets can be purchased online via www.ucmagency.org and event sponsorships - ranging from $500 to $10,000 - are available. For more information about sponsoring the Gala, contact UCM Development and Communications Director Christine Lucas at christine.lucas@ucmagency.org.