WILMINGTON, DE — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington will honor longtime philanthropist and community leader Stephen L. Hyde during its 2026 Tribute Dinner on Wednesday, April 15, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, spotlighting decades of faith-driven service and charitable leadership across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Hyde will receive the Monsignor Thomas J. Reese Award, the organization’s highest honor, recognizing exceptional commitment to service, generosity, and leadership rooted in Catholic values. The award will be presented by Bishop William E. Koenig during an evening expected to draw business, civic, and faith leaders from across the region in support of Catholic Charities’ mission.
Hyde, president of HFM Investment Advisors, has been a prominent supporter of Catholic education, youth formation, and charitable outreach for decades. Through his family’s charitable trust, Hyde helps distribute more than $1.6 million each year to Catholic schools, parishes, and missions. His leadership includes significant support for St. Mark’s High School and service on numerous parish and diocesan boards.
Hyde and his wife, Maria Hyde, are widely regarded as partners in philanthropy and faith, with their shared commitment shaping a charitable mission focused on compassion, stewardship, and community engagement. Church leaders said Maria Hyde’s role has been integral to the family’s service efforts, reflecting a model of shared leadership and long-term commitment.
Proceeds from the Tribute Dinner will benefit Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, which serves thousands of individuals and families annually through programs addressing housing insecurity, family support, food access, counseling services, and care for vulnerable populations throughout Delaware and nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Registration for the Catholic Charities Tribute Dinner 2026 begins at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, located at 815 S. Justison Street in Wilmington. Additional information and registration details are available at https://www.ccwilm.org/events/cc-dinner/.
Organizers said the annual event serves both as a celebration of service and a critical fundraiser, reinforcing Catholic Charities’ role as a cornerstone of social support across the region.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.