Join us for the annual Rejoice In Hope luncheon benefiting your spirit & our community!
Event Details
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00am-1:00pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Landmark
5615 Landmark Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78249
Keynote Speaker
An announcement about our inspiring speaker is forthcoming!
Emcee
We are thrilled to announce that Cece Smith will serve as emcee for Rejoice In Hope 2026!
Cece Smith brings a rare blend of charisma, professionalism, and heartfelt connection to every stage she graces. She is the President and Owner of Toolbox Studios, an award-winning marketing and design firm, as well as co-owner with her husband, Barney of SmithPrint, Inc., a family owned and operated commercial printing company, both in San Antonio.
Her professional career began at Procter & Gamble. There, Cece spent a decade in sales management, marketing, organizational design and strategic planning, honing the skills that would serve her well as she built her own companies after relocating to San Antonio in 1992 from her native Illinois. A forward-thinking innovator, Cece is known for her approachable and personable leadership. The results have been consistent growth and enormous success.
A devoted wife and mother, she enthusiastically gives of her time and talent to a multitude of community organizations, among them the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) San Antonio, including as Chapter President. She contributes her time and insight as Assumption Seminary's Board Chair, supporting faith formation and our future local shepherds.
We are blessed that Cece and her family have remained longtime supporters of Pilgrim Center of Hope's mission and outreach, including her membership on our Speaker Team.
Join us for an unforgettable luncheon led by one of San Antonio’s most accomplished and engaging voices.
Honorees
Please join us in honoring Robert (Bob) & Dr. Jane Atkins for their extraordinary contributions to the local community, as our Missionary of Hope Award recipients!
Bob and Jane have been parishioners and supporters of the Church of the Holy Spirit since 2001. Bob shared his time and talent as an amateur photographer, creating memories of school and sports activities at Holy Spirit School, Holy Spirit CYO, and Incarnate Word High School. It was through Bob and Jane's support of the Guadalupe Radio Network (GRN) that they were introduced to Pilgrim Center of Hope (PCH).
In 2018, Bob and Jane had a life-changing experience when they went on pilgrimage to Italy with PCH. From that time on, they became lifelong friends and supporters of PCH's mission. This spiritual renewal was further enriched when they visited the Holy Land with Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox, walking in the footsteps of Christ, where they were introduced to the "Who Is the Man of the Shroud?" Exhibit in Jerusalem, much like the one housed at PCH. Along with their participation in other PCH pilgrimages which have borne spiritual fruit in their family and community, the Atkins have been supporters of PCH conferences, events, and other evangelization efforts.
The Atkins started their journey of faith and love together in the Sacrament of Matrimony on December 28, 1991. In 1995, they brought their daughter into this world. In 1998, they lost twins due to miscarriage, only to be blessed their son's birth the following year. Together, they have been surrounded with love by their large, extended family.
Bob graduated from Texas State Technical Institute in 1981, receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning Technology. He was employed as an Application/Software Engineer for 38 years by Johnson Controls, Inc., before retiring in 2019. In retirement, he earned his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation, and now helps friends and family members plan their own retirement.
Jane received her doctorate in Medicine in 1987 from LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans. She completed her residency in Pediatrics and fellowship in 1993 at Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and joined the faculty of University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, where she was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics. With the loving support of Bob, in 2001, Jane took a huge leap of faith, abandoning her academic career to follow the “Little Way” of St. Therese, doing small things with great love, by starting a solo practice in Pediatric Infectious Diseases in San Antonio. On many occasions, she cared for children with serious, life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Atkins was humbled and inspired by the great faith, hope, and love of her patients' parents. It was during these times, she turned to prayer and adoration for these families, knowing that God could do so much more than she ever could.
In thanksgiving for their generous spirit of service, Pilgrim Center of Hope is pleased to honor the Atkins with the 2026 Missionary of Hope Award. We ask you to join us at Rejoice In Hope as a sign of gratitude.
2025 Recipients: Dr. Sonny and Judy Arkangel, 2024 Recipients: Dr. Mitchell & Christine Finnie, 2023 Recipients: Raymond & Mary Baird, 2022 Recipients: David & Janet Pollock, 2021 Recipients: Dennis & Joyce Ullrich
Rejoice in Hope Sponsors
Patrons of Hope
- Dennis & Barbara Alvey
- A Friend of PCH
- A Friend of PCH
- A Friend of PCH
Advocates of Hope
- Bruce & Nan Balfour
- Chris & Patti Parma
Partners of Hope
- Dr. Carmelito & Judy Arkangel
Event Chairpersons
Barbara and Denny Alvey invite you to Rejoice In Hope 2026.
The Alveys, who celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary earlier this year, are longtime, faithful supporters of Pilgrim Center of Hope's mission of evangelization. Active parishioners of the Church of the Holy Spirit, they serve and have served in various ministries. Denny is currently chair of both the Building and Capital Campaign Committees.
For 10 years, the Alveys were Archdiocese of San Antonio leaders of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, which supports the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Denny served his country for 40 years in intelligence. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he served as Associate Director of Intelligence for HQ USAF, and as Executive Director of Air Intelligence Agency. He has served on various boards and committees including Assumption Seminary and Catholic Charities Board of Advisors.
Both Barbara and Denny are recipients of the Holy Sepulchre’s Silver Palm of Jerusalem Award. Among their various other recognitions; Denny is a Lions International Melvin Jones Fellow, a recipient of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Lumen Gentium award, received Senior Executive Service Awards from both Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush, and the National Intelligence Distinguished Medal from the Director, Central Intelligence.
They have two sons; Brian who died of a brain tumor in 1999, and Todd, who lives in Austin with wife Andrea and daughters, Anna and Eliza.
You can join the Alveys in spreading hope through evangelization by attending Rejoice In Hope 2026!
