Meet Our Team - Growing Hands for Brighter Futures

Hi, I’m AnnMarie — Founder and President

I’m a former Baltimore City Police Officer, where I witnessed firsthand how quickly life can change and how deeply families are impacted during life’s hardest moments. Those experiences shaped my commitment to service beyond the uniform.

I’m also a OneHope Wine representative, a purpose-driven company where each bottle sold contributes to meaningful causes. Through OneHope, I’ve helped generate over $11,000 in donations for nonprofit organizations — proving that impact can be created in everyday opportunities when purpose leads.

Most importantly, I’m a mom to two boys, Julius and Braydon.

Three years ago, when my oldest was starting preschool, I felt called to do something more — something that gave back to the community while showing my children what service and compassion look like in action. As a family, we hosted backpack drives for inner-city schools and toy drives benefiting Penn State Children’s Hospital for two consecutive years.

What started as a family effort has grown into something bigger.

In June 2025, we officially became a nonprofit — Growing Hands for Brighter Futures.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support helps turn intention into impact. 💙

💙 Meet Julius 💙

He is one of the little people behind the mission

For those who know Julius, you know he has the biggest heart.

Julius is 5 years old — and the heart behind where this journey began.

We started this mission when Julius was just 3. From the very beginning, he loved being involved — stuffing backpacks with school supplies, picking out notebooks and crayons, and choosing toys for our toy drives. What felt like simple moments were actually lessons in kindness, empathy, and giving.

Now, at 5, Julius is beginning to understand the why behind the mission. He knows that not every child has the same opportunities, and he takes pride in helping in any way he can.

Outside of giving back, Julius is a typical 5-year-old with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. He loves playing soccer, his favorite food is pizza, he loves the beach, enjoys school, and dreams of becoming a chef one day.

Julius reminds us that service can start young, that compassion can be taught early, and that even the smallest hands can help create a brighter future.

This is Growing Hands for Brighter Futures. 💙

💙 Meet Braydon 💙

He is one of the little people behind the mission

Braydon is our goofball — full of personality, laughter, and joy.

This holiday season, Braydon spent a lot of time with mommy helping behind the scenes — dropping off toy donation boxes, sorting toys, and being part of every step along the way. He was right there beside me, taking it all in and helping in his own little ways.

Braydon loves playing on his Nintendo Switch, kicking around a soccer ball, and trying all kinds of foods — he’s definitely a little foodie in the making. Through it all, he’s learning that giving back can be part of everyday life.

Braydon represents the joy behind this mission — a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be serious to be impactful.

This is Growing Hands for Brighter Futures. 💙

💙 Meet Our Secretary: Celeste Kaough 💙

We are honored to introduce our Secretary, Celeste Kaough, a woman whose life is deeply rooted in family, service, and community. Her commitment to giving back isn’t something she talks about — it’s something she lives and models every day. We are grateful to have her heart, leadership, and voice as part of Growing Hands for Brighter Futures.

In her own words:

I’m a deeply devoted wife and a mom to four incredible girls, ranging in age from 3 to 18. My family is the center of my world, and my husband is my constant—never far, always offering help, grounding support, and quiet encouragement when I need it most. Most days, you’ll find my youngest, Charlie-Rose, right at my hip… and you may even spot the other three nearby.

I was raised in a home where service wasn’t talked about—it was lived. My mother, who holds a degree in human services and currently works for a nonprofit, modeled compassion in action. My father served in the military and later as a police officer and is now retired. Our family’s generational legacy of military service spans at least four generations, and that commitment to service continues today. My oldest daughter has stepped into leadership herself, serving in an officer role for her high school and now her college’s Black Student Union—a reminder that service evolves, but the heart behind it remains the same.

I own Sparkle Fire Design Studio in Central Market, where we bling and customize pretty much anything that will hold glue—turning everyday items into meaningful, joy-filled pieces that bring people together. Through The HEY Project, that creative energy extends into York City schools, where we provide enrichment programs focused on social-emotional learning, empathy, and emotional growth.

I accepted the role of Secretary for Growing Hands for Brighter Futures because I believe wholeheartedly in AnnMarie—her authenticity, her passion, and her heart for the community. Her vision for giving back aligns deeply with my own values and the mission of The HEY Project, making this work feel meaningful and deeply personal.

We are so grateful to have Celeste’s heart, creativity, and dedication guiding Growing Hands for Brighter Futures. Her example reminds us that service, family, and community are all deeply connected — and that together, we can make a meaningful impact. 💙

💙 Meet Our Treasurer: Rose DiPasquale 💙

We are proud to introduce our Treasurer, Rose DiPasquale, whose dedication, experience, and love of organization make her an incredible asset to Growing Hands for Brighter Futures.

Rose is not only AnnMarie’s mom and a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren, but also a loving wife of 40 years and family matriarch. Family has always been at the center of her life, and she brings that same care and commitment to every project she takes on.

Professionally, Rose has been working with Safestreets, an authorized provider for ADT, for 25 years and currently serves as a Senior Internal Audit Analyst. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and yes — her love of a good spreadsheet — ensure that our nonprofit stays financially responsible, organized, and transparent.

Beyond her work, Rose is steady, reliable, and always ensures things run smoothly behind the scenes for both her family and our nonprofit.

Her presence on our board ensures that Growing Hands for Brighter Futures can continue to focus on what matters most: creating opportunities, supporting our mission, and making a real impact in the lives of those we serve. 💙