Sun Gate Foundation
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The Sun Gate Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to survivors of human trafficking.
06/22/2026
Our Keys to Freedom silent auction was made possible by generous businesses, creatives, and community supporters who believe in opening doors through education.
Thank you to every contributor who helped make this part of the evening meaningful.
Chef Serge Pambo
Thank you to Chef Serge Pambo for contributing an exclusive 5-course private dinner experience for four guests.
From a customized tasting menu to wine or mocktail pairings, this auction item offered a one-of-a-kind culinary experience crafted with care.
Serge Pambo
The Oaks Inn Annapolis
Thank you to The Oaks Inn Annapolis for offering a gift certificate designed for rest, connection, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of historic Annapolis.
This boutique stay gives guests the chance to enjoy beautiful accommodations, warm hospitality, and walkable access to the charm of Maryland’s capital city.
The Oaks Bed & Breakfast
Prime Estate Planning
Thank you to Prime Estate Planning for contributing a Family Wealth Planning Session.
This 2-hour strategy session helps families think through their assets, planning needs, and how to protect what matters most for the people they love.
Prime Estate Planning
Dr. Darryl Arrington
Thank you to Dr. Darryl Arrington for contributing a powerful collection of books centered on healing, reflection, family dynamics, and personal growth.
Through fiction, mystery, and transformational guidance, this collection offers readers stories and tools that speak to resilience, recovery, and the human spirit.
Cecelia Arrington
Thank you to award-winning artist Cecelia Arrington for contributing a handcrafted clay art doll collection created especially for Keys to Freedom.
These delicate, exhibition-grade pieces blend culture, craftsmanship, fashion, and storytelling in a truly beautiful way.
Because of each donor, bidder, and supporter, doors continue to open.
Thank you for helping Sun Gate Foundation create pathways to education, empowerment, and freedom for survivors.
Every movement begins with someone willing to believe change is possible.
As we continue reflecting on this year’s Keys to Freedom Gala, we want to recognize the woman whose vision made it all possible: Suzanne Priest, Founder of Sun Gate Foundation.
What began as a desire to create lasting change has grown into a mission that helps survivors of human trafficking access education, opportunity, and a pathway toward the future they deserve. Suzanne recognized a critical gap in survivor services and believed that education could be a powerful tool for healing, independence, and long-term success.
Because of that vision, Sun Gate Foundation has become a source of hope for survivors across the country, helping turn dreams into achievable goals through scholarships and educational support.
The impact we celebrated at this year’s gala is a direct reflection of a foundation built on compassion, purpose, and the belief that every survivor deserves the chance to write a new chapter.
Thank you, Suzanne, for creating something that continues to change lives and open doors to freedom through education. 💛🔑
One of the most powerful moments of the Sun Gate Foundation Keys to Freedom Gala was the moving performance by survivor artists Stacy Jewell, Shannan Carter, and Nate Jewell.
Through storytelling, music, and testimony, they reminded us that liberation is not the absence of a difficult past—it is finding the strength to rise beyond it.
As Stacy shared, the focus is not on the victimization of yesterday, but on the resilience, courage, and triumph of today. Their performance honored the reality of survival while celebrating the power of community, faith, healing, and survivor leadership.
Thank you to these incredible artists for sharing your gifts, your truth, and your hope with everyone in the room. Your voices are changing lives and helping illuminate the path to freedom for others.
06/16/2026
Behind every successful event is a dedicated team working tirelessly to advance the mission.
As we celebrate the success of the inaugural Keys to Freedom Gala, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Sun Gate Foundation Board of Directors who helped make this evening possible.
Thank you to:
✨ Dan Brook
✨ Shanna Aguirre
✨ Layla Doman
✨ Johnny J. Patterson II, JD, Ed.D., SIPA, ICMA
✨ Nicole Pisciotti
✨ Dr. Darryl Arrington, LCPC, NCC, BC-THM
✨ David Arriola
Your leadership, commitment, and belief in the power of education for survivors continue to strengthen our mission and expand our impact.
A special acknowledgment to Dr. Fabian Fernandez, who was unable to attend the gala but whose support and service to the Foundation are deeply appreciated.
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Address
Alexandria, VA
22304
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 5pm |
