About the Event
Join us for A National Celebration of Joy, Children’s Defense Fund’s (CDF) signature national fundraising event celebrating the people, partnerships, and possibilities that make our work on behalf of children and young people possible.
Together, supporters, advocates, partners, and community leaders from across the country will gather for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. 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.
Proceeds from A National Celebration of Joy help advance CDF’s mission to build community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and gift made strengthens our ability to advocate alongside children and families, invest in youth leadership, and create opportunities for every child to thrive.
Additional event details, including registration information, sponsorship opportunities, and program announcements, will be shared in the coming weeks. Save the date now, and plan to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the joy that fuels our movement.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | VIP Reception – 5:30 p.m.; Dinner and Program – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Historic Howard Theatre | 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Host Committee
CO-CHAIRS
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Dakarai Aarons
Founder, Aarons Family Giving Fund
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Zack Boyers
Chairman & CEO, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Mr. Bryan Beasley
Business Insurance Consultant, MMA (NC)
Mr. Lan Bentsen
Executive Producer, The Bentsen Blueprint (TX)
Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler
Pastor, The Concord Fellowship (AL)
Ms. Annie Donovan
President & CEO, RDF (DC)
Ms. Dana Weston Graves
Market President, Sentara Health (VA)
Mr. W. Clay Grubb
CEO, Grubb Properties (NC)
Gail and Michael R. Holmes
Chairman Emeritus, RX Outreach (MO)
Mr. Dan Kenney
Partner, Mitchell & Titus, LLP (MD)
Ms. Durecia Moorer
Managing Partner and CMO, ABCD & Company (MD)
Mr. Daniel Welch
Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (DC)
Drs. LaToya and Starsky Wilson
President & CEO, Children’s Defense Fund (MD)