2024 Father Horace McKenna Humanitarians of the Year

We are thrilled to announce Leslie and JD Hortum as the 2024 Father Horace McKenna Humanitarians of the Year for SOME's 37th Annual Break the Cycle Gala! Their tireless dedication to community service and leadership, along with their unwavering support of SOME, make them truly deserving of this recognition.

The Hortums’ commitment to SOME is deeply personal. As Leslie and JD have shared, “We contribute to SOME because it works. We’ve met people who have gone through SOME’s programs, reclaimed their lives, and become substance-free. It’s making a real difference.”

A former association executive, Leslie currently leads the Associations Practice at Spencer Stuart, where she helps organizations find leaders who can create lasting impact. She is also the founder of AWE, a group for women CEOs of major nonprofits, and serves on several nonprofit boards, including as chair of SOME’s Corporate Advisory Board. Leslie’s commitment to mentoring others and driving change has earned her multiple accolades throughout her career.

JD, also known as Fr. John Hortum, has dedicated his life to faith-based service. After being ordained at St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope Paul VI. JD went on to serve a number of communities in the Roman Catholic Church, and later in the Episcopal tradition. JD’s involvement with SOME began in the early 1970’s through is long-term friendship with Fr. John Adams, S.J.

We invite you to join us in honoring Leslie and JD's remarkable contributions to our community at the SOME 2024 Gala. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment, and live auction. All proceeds benefit SOME's programs and services, including their affordable housing, workforce development and daily emergency services.