Inspiring Youth & Building Futures

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the youth, partners, and community leaders who make our mission possible. Through powerful stories, vibrant performances, and opportunities to invest in transformative programs, the Gala shines a light on the places—and people—where hope truly lives. View photos from last year's Gala here!

Gala Tickets Now On Sale!

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Gala Tickets Now On Sale! 〰️

Buy Tickets Today!

Thursday, April 30, 2026

The Westin DC Downtown
999 9th St, NW
Washington, DC 20001

5:30 PM - Networking Reception
7:00 PM - Live Auction, Dinner, Program
9:30 PM - After Party

Dress Festive • Valet & Self Parking Available

2026 Arlene Kogod
Philanthropic Legacy Award
Presented to:

2026 Community Champion Award
Presented to:

Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba

2026 Corporate Champion Award Presented to:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Millie Perez

Meet our 2026 Gala Emcee:

Erika Gonzalez

News4 Anchor/Reporter

  • Yvonna Stevens, Chair
    Jennifer Mauskaup Smalls, Vice Chair
    Shari Thomas, Secretary
    Adam Spiegel, Treasurer

    Betsy Brand, Community Advocate

    Erica Chicola, FTI Consulting

    Simon Fairclough, Capital One

    Ceara N. Flake, National Retail Federation

    Lena Hernandez, D&P Creative Strategies

    Esperanza Lugo, Community Advocate

    Carrie E. Markovitz, NORC at the University of Chicago

    Nancy Miranda, RE/MAX Allegiance

    Lungi Okoko, Gates Foundation

    Aiyshen Padilla, CINQCARE

    Christian Rhodes, William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone

    Kimberly Salameh, Floor Coverings International

    Corey Sesin, PenFed Credit Union

    Andrew Van Etten, CareFirst BCDC, Retired

    Samuel Williams, Pepco Holdings

    Candice Wilmore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

    Amanda Wood, Becker & Poliakoff, PA.

  • Gloria Aparicio, University of Maryland

    Maia Brundred, Marriott International

    Elizabeth & Chet Burrell, Community Advocate

    Nicole Carrington, Community Advocate

    Veronica Cool, Cool & Associates, LLC

    Jeannie Engel, Neighbors Rising

    Maritza Gonzalez, Chase Bank

    Lori M. Kaplan, Community Advocate

    Sherise Malachi, Community Advocate

    Andy Van Etten, Community Advocate

    Matthew Stankevich, Alliance Material Handling

The Sponsors Making Gala 2026 Possible!

As of 3/24/2026

Partner Sponsor

Youth Investor

Oakpoint Charitable Foundation

SkyPoint FCU

Heleny Cook

Youth Champion

Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba

Youth Advocate

Matthew and Jennifer Stankevich

Neignbors Rising

Youth Leader

Kevin Dolan

The Zients Family Foundation

Lori M. Kaplan

Youth Promotor

Adam & Ellen Spiegal

Antonio & Pamela Marquez

Alumni & Friends

Clark Construction Group, LLC

Carrie E. Markovitz & Jeff Prather

Cool & Associates, LLC

Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman, CPAs

Gloria Aparicio Blackwell

Montgomery College

The Honorable Eric Olson, County Council (District 3)

Jennifer Mauskapf Smalls

USI

MedStar Family Choice DC

Pat Arzuaga, JD

Wellpoint DC

UnitedHealthCare