What an incredible evening of connection and reflection! This year’s Illuminight, presented by the City of Forest Acres, was a tremendous success, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us. As our signature annual event, Illuminight is a powerful expression of our mission to build trust, honor service, and create safer, more connected communities. This year’s theme, Reflecting Light, gave us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the everyday commitment, courage, and compassion demonstrated by our police partners across the Carolinas.
We also want to extend a special thank-you to this year’s emcee, WIS News 10 anchor Judi Gatson. Her energy, warmth, and enthusiasm truly elevated the evening and helped make it unforgettable.
This special night would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. We are deeply grateful to the City of Forest Acres, Richland County, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Dunbar Funeral Home, Southeastern Freight Lines, MUSC Health, Crisp Event Rentals, AT&T, and Duke Energy.
We also want to thank our table sponsors: Southern Valet; Dr. and Mrs. Alia; the City of Cayce; the Town of Irmo; the Town of Lexington; Lourie Life and Health; SCLEOA; Heather Smith and Associates; Senator Russell Ott; Chief Mark Keel; First Citizens Bank; and the City of West Columbia.
We are equally thankful for our in-kind sponsors, including ByFarr Design House, Crisp Event Rentals, Loosh Culinaire, Josh Cellars, Black Tie Bartending, American Floral, Ambient Media, Sun Solutions, Redemption Whiskey, Cantera Negra Tequila, and Gray Whale Vodka & Gin.
A big shoutout to our band for the evening, Opus and the Frequencies, who brought an incredible energy and perfectly complemented this year’s “Reflecting Light” theme with their vibrant performance.
We are proud to recognize this year’s Illuminight award winners:
Corporal Christopher Stokes of the Irmo Police Department is widely recognized for his genuine and consistent commitment to community engagement and service. Nominated through multiple letters of support, he is described as an indispensable asset who goes above and beyond the call of duty to support vulnerable residents, individuals experiencing poverty, and those without reliable support systems.
Corporal Stokes is known for using his own resources to help others, often covering essential needs out of pocket. He also leads a hands-on life-skills program for children, teaching confidence, etiquette, and personal responsibility.
One powerful example of his dedication involved assisting a stranded motorist experiencing homelessness who had been financially exploited regarding her vehicle. After identifying the issue, Corporal Stokes coordinated repairs, ensured she had food and support, cared for her dog so she could rest, and ultimately paid for the repairs himself when funding was unavailable—helping preserve her only source of shelter and transportation.
We also proudly recognize Anslie Moss, founder of Tenderhearts Ministries. Twenty-five years ago, she partnered with the York Police Department with a vision to serve unsheltered individuals and support survivors of domestic violence with dignity, compassion, and practical resources.
Since then, Tenderhearts has served thousands of individuals and families, with more than 3,000 clients supported in 2025 alone. The organization provides critical resources including housing, transportation, food, and essential supplies. Notably, it has supported 321 infants with diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food—meeting urgent needs for some of the community’s most vulnerable.
Beyond direct services, Tenderhearts has created employment opportunities for more than 100 individuals, strengthening the local economy while restoring hope. Through strong partnerships with law enforcement and the broader community, the organization continues to expand opportunity, stability, and support throughout the region.
We are honored to celebrate these outstanding individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of service and the power of connection.
Illuminight may be over, but the work continues. We invite you to stay connected, get involved, and help us carry this light forward throughout the year. Together, we can continue building trust and creating meaningful change in our communities.
Be sure to check out WIS’ coverage of our event: https://www.wistv.com/2026/03/13/serve-connect-honors-law-enforcement-community-leaders-illuminight-awards-gala/
