As a community, we come together to support our cause, celebrate our successes, and recognize those who give so much of themselves for the greater good of humanity.
Purchase your tickets HERE.
Greg Alia Award: This is our most prestigious award, given to a police officer who has demonstrated excellence in community engagement and community service. The award is named after Officer Greg Alia who made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015 in Forest Acres, SC. This award is presented to an officer who, like Greg, exemplifies values of compassion and service; who goes above and beyond to treat all with dignity and respect; and who demonstrates deep love and care for the community where they serve.
Community Champion Award: Public safety is the result of both traditional police and criminal justice systems working in partnership with various community organizations and stakeholders. The purpose of the Community Champion award is to recognize an individual and/or organization that has made a significant impact on public safety by working with police to address critical needs, build trust, increase access to resources, and assist with problem-solving. A strong candidate is one who has a sustained commitment to working alongside police and public safety partners to promote safe communities.
Nominations are open to the public! Each packet must include: 1) contact information for both the nominee as well as the person submitting the nomination; 2) a letter detailing why this candidate is deserving of this award; and 3) a letter of support from the nominee’s department (for the Gregory Alia award). Supporting documentation (e.g., news articles, pictures, letters of community support) are also welcomed and encouraged.
Please send nominations to Tina at tina@serveandconnect.org or mail to our office 8131 Brookfield Rd Columbia SC 29223. Nominations are due January 31. 2026.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we move beyond a decade of Serve & Connect, I find myself overwhelmed, in the best way, by how far love and partnership can carry a mission. What began as a spark of light in Greg’s memory has been magnified year after year because of people like you: neighbors, officers, leaders, donors, and community partners choosing to show up, link arms, and keep pressing forward together.
Greg used to say, “For every one negative story you hear, there are thousands of positive stories happening every day that go unnoticed.” And that has become even more true with time. Because of our partners and supporters, those moments don’t have to go unnoticed anymore. We get to elevate them, celebrate them, and multiply them, one relationship, one act of service, one courageous conversation at a time.
This year’s Illuminight is a celebration of exactly that. Our theme – Reflecting Light – is a reminder that hope is not something we wait for; it’s something we become. When we choose to love our neighbors, when we listen, when we work side-by-side across differences, we reflect light into places that need it most.
And at the center of this night is the very spirit of what we believe in: connection.
Together, we will celebrate the moments of light from the past year – the stories of hope, healing, and community impact that are happening because people decided to care. And we will leave uplifted and ready to keep going, ready to continue being reflections of light in our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our city.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Thank you for believing that when we work together, we can strengthen trust, build unity, and create safer, healthier communities, one connection at a time.
With gratitude and hope,
Kassy Alia-Ray
Founder & CEO
Serve and Connect
Illuminight is stepping into a fresh new season – one that feels more like us: spunky, fun, lighthearted, and full of energy. Yes, it will still be elevated. Yes, it will still be meaningful. But we’re moving away from a traditional formal gala and creating a night that invites people to exhale, laugh, connect, and celebrate, in a way that carries beyond the event and into real relationships all year long. What to expect: an elevated disco vibe Picture an atmosphere filled with music, movement,...