“Hard times require furious dancing!” – Alice Walker
Established in 2023 on CDF’s 50th Anniversary, the NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF JOY is CDF’s signature fundraising gala — an evening of inspiration, joy, and purpose lifting America’s children. The event brings together changemakers, child advocates, and supporters to celebrate a shared commitment to child well-being and raise vital support for Children’s Defense Fund.
During the Celebration, CDF honors Advocates for Joy who champion policy, build power, and strengthen programs for children and youth. In 2025, we will honor veteran congressman and thirty-year partner with CDF, the Honorable Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Cristina Jimemez, co-founder of United We Dream and best-selling author of Dreaming of Home, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and a rising youth advocate.
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, host of UNDISTRACTED, will emcee the awards program. Dove Award-winning gospel recording artist, Brian Courtney Wilson, will offer soul-stirring sounds to sustain our movement for children.
The Schuyler Ballroom of The Hamilton Hotel
1001 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
November 5, 2025
6:00 p.m. Reception; 7:00 pm Dinner
*The NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF JOY is the centerpiece of our two-day American Youth Policy Forum, powered by CDF, November 5-6, at the MLK Memorial Library. See details at the bottom of this page below to join the critical policy conversation!
Advocate for Joy Honorees
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Cristina Jiménez Moreta
Co-founder, United We Dream and Best-selling Author, “Dreaming of Home”
Learn More about Cristina Jiménez Moreta -
Congressman Bennie Thompson
U.S. Representative (MS-02)
Learn More about Congressman Bennie Thompson -
La June Montgomery Tabron
President & CEO – Accepting on behalf of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Learn More about La June Montgomery Tabron
Mistress of Ceremony
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Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Principal, Love & Power Works and Host, UNDISTRACTED Podcast
Learn More about Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Entertainment
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Brian Courtney Wilson
Dove-Award Winning Gospel Recording Artist
Learn More about Brian Courtney Wilson
Host Committee Co-Chairs
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Zack Boyers
Chairman & CEO, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance
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Marty Rodgers
U.S. Health & Public Service Lead, Accenture
Host Committee
Bryan Beasley
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Lan Bentsen
Rev. Thomas Bowen
Rev. Don Darius Butler
The Concord Fellowship
Dr. Victoria Gholar
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Keecha Harris
Keecha Harris & Associates
Liz and Don Thompson
The CAFE Group
Daniel Welch
Morgan Stanley
Drs. LaToya and Starsky Wilson
Join us for the American Youth Policy Forum.
Powered by Children’s Defense Fund, the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) gathers policymakers, advocates, non-profit leaders, and educators for a two-day convening focused on the impact of politics and policy on America’s children and young people. Come be a part of this informative and inspiring space November 5 and 6.
Learn More
Become a Sponsor!
Learn about National Celebration of Joy sponsorship opportunities and register as a sponsor below.
Register as a Sponsor
Get special rates for your stay
CDF guests are eligible for a $259 nightly rate between November 4 and 6 at The Hamilton Hotel using the link below. For questions, call (202)682-0111 and mention “Children’s Defense Fund.”
Reserve Your Room