MANCHESTER, NH — City Year New Hampshire will host its annual Starry Starry Night fundraising gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, honoring longtime New Hampshire civic leaders and philanthropists Dick Couch and Barbara Couch for their commitment to community, education, and opportunity for young people.
Presented by Brown Brothers Harriman and Needham Bank, Starry Starry Night is City Year New Hampshire’s signature fundraising event, uniting community and business leaders, citizen supporters, and service champions for an inspiring evening in support of City Year AmeriCorps members serving as Student Success Coaches who partner with schools to advance academic outcomes for students.
Dick and Barbara Couch are widely recognized for their leadership and commitment to people and community. Dick founded Hypertherm, helping build the Hanover-based company into a global leader and national model for innovation, shared ownership, and employee wellbeing. Barbara played a central role in shaping Hypertherm’s people-centered culture and founded the Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, advancing associate-driven community investment and volunteerism. Together, their leadership helped establish Hypertherm as a 100% associate-owned company and one of the most respected employers in the country.
Beyond Hypertherm, the Couches’ philanthropy has made a lasting impact across New Hampshire and the Upper Valley through the Couch Family Foundation, whose mission is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of children and families by expanding access to high-quality, equitable opportunities that help young people learn, thrive and lead healthy fulfilling lives.
“Dick and Barbara Couch are deeply admired in the Granite State not only for what they have built, but for how they have led—with a steady commitment to people, shared success, and the wellbeing of children and families,” said Pawn Nitichan, Executive Director of City Year New Hampshire. “Their longstanding dedication to supporting children, especially in the earliest years, reflects a belief that strong communities are built through opportunity, care, and responsibility. Their leadership has inspired communities across New Hampshire and beyond, and we are truly honored to recognize their impact at this year’s Starry Starry Night.”
City Year is a youth-powered organization working to create conditions that enable young people to reach their full potential, build leadership skills, and contribute to vibrant communities. A public-private partnership, City Year is a member of AmeriCorps, operating in 29 U.S. cities with international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Today, 40,000 alums continue to lead and serve where they live and work. Learn more about City Year’s impact at cityyear.org/nh.