2025 Center for HOPE Luncheon with Peter Godwin

The Center for HOPE is honored to welcome renowned author and journalist Peter Godwin as the keynote speaker for its 2025 Annual Luncheon.

Godwin is the award-winning author of six nonfiction books, including Mukiwa, which received the George Orwell Prize and the Esquire-Apple-Waterstones Award, and When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, winner of the Borders Original Voices Award. His acclaimed work The Fear was named a best book of the year by The New Yorker. In addition to his literary accolades, Godwin has taught writing at Wesleyan and Columbia and previously served as President of PEN American Center.

In his latest memoir, Exit Wounds: A Story of Love, Loss, and Occassional Wars, Godwin explores themes of grief, identity and resilience following the death of his mother and the dissolution of his marriage. Through his powerful storytelling, he invites readers to confront pain, embrace healing and celebrate the enduring bonds of family and memory.

Proceeds from the Luncheon will benefit the Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids, Family Centers programs providing counseling, support and hope to individuals and families in lower Fairfield County navigating grief, critical illness or life-altering challenges.

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Exit Wounds.

Sponsorship packages and individual tickets are available now.

This year's event is co-chaired by Jen Hyde, Megan Kearney and Meredith Pyne O'Brien.

For more information or to secure your spot, please contact Michelle Kanarek at mkanarek@familycenters.org.

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