5th Annual Coldest Night of the Year

MH CNOY 2026 Raises Over $66,000 for Miriam’s House!

On Saturday, February 28th, our community once again gathered on Magnolia Street, raising funds and walking in solidarity for those experiencing homelessness. Our 5th Annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) was an incredible evening filled with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to change. Nearly 400 walkers joined us to support Miriam’s House, proving that together, we can make a real impact.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our supporters, this year’s event raised over $66,000! These critical funds will directly sustain our homeless response programs, providing housing, resources, and hope for those in need throughout the year ahead.

OUR 2026 FUNDRAISING LEADERS

One of the most inspiring parts of CNOY is watching our community rally behind our mission in such tangible ways. This year was no exception.

For the third year in a row, Team FreezeFrame led the way as our top fundraising team, raising an incredible $6,775. Led by Team Captain Paige Darden, this team continues to set the standard year after year. Their consistency and heart are a powerful reminder of what sustained compassion can accomplish. Our top individual fundraiser, Chris Howell, raised $1,770 going above and beyond to support neighbors experiencing homelessness.

And they were far from alone. This year, we were thrilled to have multiple teams surpass the $2,500 mark and a strong group of individual fundraisers join our $1,000 Club—each one representing countless conversations, emails, social media posts, and personal invitations to give.

*Chris Howell + Centenary Sole Mates Team*

Our $1K Club Members (raising $1,000+)

Chris Howell
Randy Smith
BJ McGraw
Victoria Bartholomew
Michele Bauman
Katie Elliott
Denise Bryson
Paige Darden
Will Absher

Our $2.5K Club Teams (raising $2,500+)

FreezeFrame - Paige Darden
The Blue Crew - Randy Smith
Centenary Sole Mates - Chris Howell
Foster Fuelers - Olivia Beavon
PUMC Cool Runnings - BJ McGraw
Intravene & Infectious Disesase Associates of Central VA - Jennifer Zirkle
Framatome Women in Nuclear - Nicole Miller

OUR EVENT PARTNERS

CNOY has become a cherished tradition—a time when families, friends, and local businesses come together for a cause that truly matters. Walkers chose between a 2K or 5K route, both starting and finishing at Miriam’s House. Before heading out, participants had the chance to warm up with Sara from Burn Boot Camp, who led an energizing round of pre-walk stretches to get everyone moving and ready for the route ahead.

*Soup Staion with Meriwether Godsey Team*

*Starbucks + craveABLEs providing warm drinks to walkers!*

Along the way, participants enjoyed a rest stop hosted by our friends at First Christian Church and were met with cheers from an incredible team of volunteers stationed along Rivermont Avenue—including Randolph College Engineering who brought lots of fun and energy! After crossing the finish line, walkers were welcomed back with delicious refreshments from Meriwether Godsey, Montana Plains Bakery, craveABLEs, and Starbucks.

The energy of the night was elevated with music and exciting door prizes, thanks to the generosity of our Rivermont Avenue neighbors: Golf Park Coffee, Rivermont Pizza, Palmera House, and Mission Thrift. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the logistical expertise of Riverside Runners.

Once again, Foster Fuels stepped up as our Lead Sponsor, not only providing vital support but also leading one of the top fundraising teams. Their dedication to ensuring that everyone has the warmth and stability of home is truly inspiring. We are also grateful for the contributions of our Supporting Sponsor, Caitlyn & James Enoch, Realtors, and our Distance Sponsors: Bank of the James, Maddox Air, Electrical & Plumbing, Rose Computers, and The Virginian Hotel—their support underscores the collective effort required to address homelessness in our community.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS

As we mark our 5th Coldest Night of the Year , we are reminded how far this event has come and the tangible impact it has made for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Over the past five years, CNOY has raised $137,093 for Miriam’s House, helping hundreds of children and adults move from crisis to stability. What began as a hopeful first walk has grown into a powerful annual movement of compassion and action.

Each step taken brings us closer to a future where everyone has a safe and warm place to call home. To everyone who fundraised, volunteered, sponsored, and walked with purpose—thank you. Your commitment is changing lives, and because of your support, hundreds of homeless children and adults will find hope and stability in the year ahead.