2026 Center for HOPE Luncheon

Kate Doerge joined author Lea Carpenter at the 2026 Center for HOPE Luncheon for an inspiring conversation about navigating change, embracing resilience and finding greater purpose and connection.

After losing her father, her mother and her 16-year-old daughter Penny, Kate made the choice to transform unimaginable loss into a movement centered on hope, action and possibility. She shared how that journey inspired her bestselling book, Reimagining Grief, and her work helping others move through change and loss.

The luncheon also honored Nancy Axthelm, recipient of the 2026 Ray of HOPE Award.

Held at Wee Burn Beach Club in Rowayton and co-chaired by Liz Victory Anderson, Claiborne Swanson Frank and Susan Yonce, the luncheon raised funds for Family Centers’ Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids, which support children and adults coping with illness, loss and life-altering circumstances.

Click here to view photos from Fairfield County LOOK.

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