National host committee of business, nonprofit, and community leaders aims to support the upcoming Washington, D.C. event, lending their expertise to drive Children’s Defense Fund’s mission forward.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, DC—In November, the national advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host A National Celebration of Joy, a gala established to honor changemakers and youth advocates and celebrate the partnerships that drive our work for children.
The event, which will take place at the Historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., is made possible by a national host committee of business, nonprofit, and community leaders whose invaluable support drives CDF’s mission forward. Their leadership and philanthropic commitment directly fuel the organization’s capacity to expand programs and champion policies that protect youth. By lending their expertise and support, these champions ensure that the movement for child well-being continues to gain momentum.
What: National Celebration of Joy
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | Dinner and Program – 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Historic Howard Theatre | 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Members of the National Celebration of Joy Host Committee include:
Annie Donovan – President & CEO, RDF, Washington, D.C.
Bryan Beasley – Business Insurance Consultant, MMA, North Carolina
Dakarai I. Aarons – Founder, Aarons Family Giving Fund, California (Co-Chair)
Dana Weston Graves – Market President, Sentara Health, Virginia
Daniel Welch – Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Washington, D.C.
Dan Kenney – Partner, Mitchell & Titus, LLP, Maryland
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler – Pastor, The Concord Fellowship, Alabama
Durecia Moorer – Managing Partner and CMO, ABCD & Company, Maryland
Gail and Michael R. Holmes – Chairman Emeritus, RX Outreach, Missouri
Lan Bentsen – Executive Producer, The Bentsen Blueprint, Texas
Drs. LaToya and Starsky Wilson – President & CEO, Children’s Defense Fund, Maryland
W. Clay Grubb – Chief Executive Officer, Grubb Properties, North Carolina
Zack Boyers – Chairman & CEO, U.S. Bank Impact Finance, Missouri (Co-Chair)
CDF extends its thanks to these dedicated leaders for their partnership and ongoing support.
“As we reflect on the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work ahead, we will honor the collective effort required to ensure every young person can grow up with dignity, hope, and joy,” the organization states. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of these leaders, whose partnership is vital to realizing our critical mission.”