More than a Board Member: How Mary O’Connor Steers our Events to Success
The creative spark behind our Route 66 Summerfest event, and her 20-year impact on Noah Homes
Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and the families of Noah Homes, our recent Summerfest event raised $384,000 to advance our mission of providing exceptional residential care and choices to adults with developmental disabilities. While many individuals contributed to the event's success, we'd like to recognize one person whose creative spark helped supercharge the evening: Dr. Mary O’Connor, Vice President of the Board for Noah Homes.
The impact of Mary’s creativity reached every corner of the event. Hot wheels, black-and-white checkered balloons, and real-life hot rods provided the perfect backdrop for the “Route 66” soiree on June 6, 2026 (yep, 6/6). And the cool concept was all thanks to Mary!
The story of how Route 66 became the central theme goes beyond just a clever idea. A nod to Route 66’s centennial celebration, the theme also communicated our current fundraising initiative: a Safety Enhancement Road.
This new road is being built along the bottom perimeter of the Noah Homes property, so guests and delivery drivers are directed straight to our Community Center, instead of driving through the residential portion of the property, thus improving the safety and comfort of our residents.
The connection between the theme and our mission made the event even more meaningful!
Beyond her knack for event ideation, Mary’s personal journey with us is just as inspiring. Spanning two decades, her involvement quickly grew from curious supporter to integral team member.
“About 20 years ago, I started seeing some of the Noah Homes folks as patients,” said Mary, a board-certified pediatric dentist who provides dental care for children, adolescents, and people of all ages with special needs. “It became natural for me to support Noah Homes. I started attending fundraisers and helped get good pricing on electric toothbrushes. Then, I started purchasing items off the Noah Homes Amazon Wish Lists, which I still enjoy doing.”
Along the way, Mary has stepped in to meet many of our needs, like mentoring our development staff, serving as events chair, purchasing a refrigerator when one went out, and being a lead sponsor of our Dementia & Disabilities Escape training program.
“I know whatever I give is going to go for good, and that Noah Homes will spend it in the way they say they will,” said Mary. That deep trust and commitment have shaped her long-term involvement.
“I try to learn about the residents and meet their families so I can better serve their needs. As a board member, I do my homework by going to Noah Homes a lot, by volunteering, and by meeting people.”
Mary still sees a lot of dental patients from Noah Homes and even does house calls for some of our folks in memory care who cannot travel. She continues to give from the heart.
“I see something in Noah Homes. They don’t just ask; they act, and donations take their actions further. When you see their work, you want to help it grow and continue.”
As you can see, Mary helps steer our events and fuels our mission, and we are forever grateful!
Inspired by Mary’s journey? Learn more about getting involved with Noah Homes.