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! 〰️
Limited‑Time Gala Discounts Are Here!
Be part of this year’s celebration—grab your discounted tickets now and help us continue building brighter futures.
5:30 PM - Networking Reception
7:00 PM - Live Auction, Dinner, Program
9:30 PM - After Party
Dress Festive • Valet & Self Parking Available
Thursday, April 30, 2026
The Westin DC Downtown
999 9th St, NW
Washington, DC 20001
2026 Arlene Kogod
Philanthropic Legacy Award
Presented to:
Meet our 2026 Gala Emcee:
2026 Community Champion Award
Presented to:
Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba
&
2026 Corporate Champion Award Presented to:
Erika Gonzalez
News4 Anchor/Reporter
Lifetime Achievement Award
Millie Perez
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Yvonna Stevens, Chair
Jennifer Mauskaup Smalls, Vice Chair
Shari Thomas, Secretary
Adam Spiegel, TreasurerBetsy 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, Publicis Groupe
Carrie E. Markovitz, NORC at the University of Chicago
Nancy Miranda, RE/MAX Allegiance
Lungi Okoko Gates Foundation
Aiyshen Padilla, Amazon
Christian Rhodes, William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone
Kimberly Salameh, Floor Coverings International
Corey Sesin, PenFed Credit Union
Andrew Van Etten, Community Advocate
Samuel Williams, Pepco Holdings
Candice Wilmore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Amanda Wood, Becker
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Gloria Aparicio, University of Maryland
Maia Brundred, Marriott International
Nicole Carrington, Community Advocate
Veronica Cool, Cool & Associates LLC
Jeannie Engel, Neighbors Rising
Maritza Gonzalez. JP Morgan Chase
Lori M. Kaplan, Community Advocate
Sherise Malachi, Community Advocate
Liz and Chet Burrel, Community Advocate
Andy Van Etten, Community Advocate
Matthew Stankevich, Alliance Material Handling
The Sponsors Making Gala 2026 Possible!
As of 2/10/2026
