People of Hope Mobile Exhibit Filming Event 

July 28–30, 2025 | Alexandria, VA 

STUDIO SESSIONS INFO 
When and where is the filming event taking place? 

Dates: 
Tuesday, July 29 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, July 30 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Location: 
Catholic Charities USA (2050 Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314) 

How should I prepare for my studio session? 

• Practice reading your final script aloud using the version provided by your writer. 
• Read in front of a mirror and identify where to emphasize key phrases or words, to improve natural rhythm and tone. 
• The more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you will be on camera! 
• You will have multiple opportunities to record your story during your session. Your script will appear on a teleprompter during filming.

What should I wear? 

• Camera Angle: You will be seated and recorded from the lower waist up. Anticipate, however, that your pants or skirt may show in the frame, so plan for long skirts/dresses or pants. No shorts on camera, despite the heat! Shoes will not be shown in the recording. 
• Style: Wear something you are comfortable in. Layers are fine (e.g., a shirt and jacket) but not required. Think business casual, not Sunday best. Ties, scarves, broaches should not be worn, as we want you to be relatable to neighbors who see the exhibit and are thinking about whether to get involved/volunteer. Be mindful of necklines. 
• Colors: Your shirt, jacket, etc., should ideally be solid in color. Jewel tones, earth tones and blacks are good. Avoid all white tops/jackets. 
• Patterns: Please avoid large, sharp-contrast patterns. Absolutely no branded/logoed shirts may be worn for the recording.  
• Accessories: Keep accessories simple. Do not wear signature pieces that are chunky, rattle or are excessively sparkly. Avoid bracelets, as they can make unwanted sounds if you use your hands while talking. 
• Hair: Wear your hair as you feel most comfortable. A hair stylist will be on-site to assist with subtle adjustments as needed in the studio.  
• Make-up: Wear natural make-up and avoid heavy applications if you do wear make-up. A make-up artist will be on-site to apply powders and do light touch ups for both men and women to cover any blemishes and diminish any sheen on camera. 

What else should I know about the studio session? 

• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time. 
• A greeter will meet you in the lower-level lobby and escort you to the filming studio. 
• Professional photos will be captured before or after your recording session. 

HOTEL INFO 
Where am I staying? 

• Hotel: Residence Inn Alexandria Carlyle, 2345 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 

• Check-in: 3:00 p.m. 
• Check-out: 12:00 p.m. 
• You should have received an email with your confirmation number and other details. 

Is parking included? 
Yes, parking is included in your hotel reservation if you have indicated you are driving to Virginia. 

Note: Any in-room charges (room service, movies, etc.) are the responsibility of the attendee. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES INFO 
Reception and Dinner | Monday, July 28 

• Time: 6:00 p.m. 
• Location: O’Grady Conference Center, 2050-D Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ground floor; 4-minute walk from the hotel; see walking map.) 
• Join us for a welcome reception, dinner and brief program featuring CCUSA President & CEO Kerry Alys Robinson. 
• This event is complimentary for both you and your guests. 
• Business casual attire is appropriate.

Washington, D.C., Bus Tour | Tuesday, July 29 

• This tour is complimentary for both you and your guests. 
• The bus will board in front of the hotel 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time listed below. Please check your confirmation email to verify which tour you selected. 
• Morning tour: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 
• Afternoon tour: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• The tour will include several stops for photos of historic landmarks. 
• Casual attire (shorts and sneakers) is appropriate. Check the weather in advance. It will probably be hot!

Tuesday Lunch Pick-up 

• Boxed lunches will be available 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the filming studio for those who requested them. (For those choosing to get lunch on their own this day, that expense will not be reimbursed.)

Dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern | Tuesday, July 29 

• Location: Gadsby’s Tavern, 121 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. A beautifully preserved, 18th-century National Historic Landmark where America’s founding figures once gathered to dine and socialize. 
• Time: Dinner at 6:00 p.m. | Shuttle departs hotel at 5:30 p.m. (Please be ready 10 to 15 minutes before). 
• Dinner is complimentary for participants. Guests required advance signup and payment (link was sent via email). 
• If you do not plan to attend the walking tour after dinner, a return shuttle to the hotel will be available at 8:00 p.m. 
• Business casual attire is appropriate.

Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour 

• Please join us for a custom guided 1.3-mile walk through historic Old Town Alexandria immediately following the dinner.  
• This walking tour is complimentary for participants. Guests required advance signup and payment (link was sent via email). 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Some areas include cobblestones and uneven sidewalks. 
• Following the walking tour, a shuttle bus will return guests to the hotel at approximately 9:30 p.m. 

DRIVING & PARKING FOR STUDIO SESSIONS 
Where do I park if I drive to the studio and reception? 

• If you are not staying at the hotel, please use the Colonial Parking garage located beneath the CCUSA building (entrance off Elizabeth Lane). 
• Save your receipt. Parking will be reimbursed. 

TRIP REIMBURSEMENT INFO
What expenses will CCUSA reimburse? 

• Mileage: $0.70 per mile (round-trip) if driving. 
• Train travel: Full round-trip ticket cost. 
• Airfare: Up to $600 round-trip (economy class, including checked bags). Contact us for pre-approval if your flight is over this amount. 
• Ground Transportation: Taxi, Uber, Lyft or public transit to/from the airport. 
• Parking: Hotel parking or Colonial Parking garage at CCUSA. 

MEAL REIMBURSEMENT
CCUSA will provide the following meals: 

How do I request reimbursement? 

• You will be provided a link to a JotForm to request reimbursement. 
• Upload receipts for eligible expenses (e.g., airfare, ground transport, parking) 
• Provide your mailing address (for a check) or banking info (for direct deposit) 
• Reimbursements will be processed within 7 business days of receiving your request. 

Note: Participants are responsible for the travel expenses of any guests. CCUSA does not reimburse for time off work. 

KEY CONTACTS 
If you have questions or need to make changes to your schedule, please contact: 

Myriam Galvan-Zambrana 
Experiential Marketing Manager 
MGalvan-Zambrana@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org
(703) 236-6210 

Kristine Livdane 
Senior Director of Marketing 
klivdane@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org
(703) 236-6256