An Evening of Celebration, A Lifetime of Impact
Join us for an unforgettable evening of purpose, community, and celebration in support of NCCF’s mission to protect and uplift childhood for families facing hardship.
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets Available Now
Secure your seat for just $100 through June 30.
Beginning July 1, tickets increase to $150 — save $50 when you reserve your spot today.
October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Social Hour | 7:00 PM Program | 8:30 PM Reception
Location: Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Reserve Your Seat and Make a Difference in a Child’s Life
When families face poverty, trauma, or displacement, childhood is often the first thing lost. The Heart of Community Gala brings together community leaders, advocates, and supporters for a meaningful evening of cocktails, dinner, music, and performance. Together, we can ensure that every child experiences joy, safety, learning, and hope—even in difficult times.
Honoring Leaders and Champions in Our Community
Champion in Our Midst:
Mr. Hossein Ejtemai
Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award:
Dr. Cheryl Dyson
John F. White Alumni Award:
Tia Ellis
Humanitarian Spirit Award for Volunteerism
Sweet 7 – Amalia Barth, Julia Bertele, Caroline Best, Tessa Brumbaugh, Sanna Houston, Stella McGuire, and Abby Sweet
Special guest:
Master of Ceremonies and Honorary Chair:
Doug Kammerer
Honorary & Host Committees
Thank you to our dedicated community leaders and hosts for their continued support.
Honorary Committee
Hon. Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive
Hon. Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council
Hon. Evan Glass, Montgomery County Council
Hon. Will Jawando, Vice President, Montgomery County Council
Hon. Marc Korman, MD Delegate
Hon. Sara Love, MD Senate
Hon. Kristin Mink, Montgomery County Council
Congressman Jamie Raskin, U.S. House of Representatives
Hon. Laurie-Ann Sayles, Montgomery County Council
Mayor Jeffrey Slavin, Somerset
Hon. Teresa Woorman, MD Delegate
Host Committee
Sara Jane Harris
Michael and Vicki Herson
Russell and Leila Phillips
Matthew Sunderman
Mariana Roig
Richard Mahan
Phil Schiff
Susan Schaefer
Trisha Miller Manarin
Marquis Evans
Robin Gonzales
Support the Mission: Become a Sponsor
Your sponsorship ensures that childhood is preserved even when families face life’s toughest challenges. From providing food security to supporting children in foster care, your impact will directly serve thousands of children across the region.
- Neediest Kids – $25,000: Supports basic and urgent needs for students (clothing, coats, supplies)
- Betty’s House – $15,000: Supports domestic violence survivors with housing and healing
- JC Nalle School – $10,000: Ensuring students and their families in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC, have what they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
- Greentree Adolescent Program – The Residence (GAP-R) Youth Level – $5,000: Offering 24-hour residential services for adolescent males in out-of-home placement due to abandonment, abuse or neglect.
- Family Shelter – $2,500: Brings stability, celebration, and dignity to homeless families living in emergency housing.
- Foster Care – $1,000: Supporting youth in family based out of home placement with opportunity, enrichment, hope and family permanency.
- Jackson’s Pantry – $500: Nourishing families through compassion, community, and consistency.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Secure your Early Bird ticket for $100 through June 30. Beginning July 1, tickets will increase to $150. Each ticket includes cocktails, dinner, and an inspiring evening of music and performances at the beautiful Capital One Hall.
Performers
Celebrating the talented youth and artists bringing our event to life.
Harambee Kids
Kalaya Brown, Kimonie Brown, Jamari Christian, Dylan Bolden, Myangel Flowers, Jessica Valeaquez, Aryan Prince, Georgia Holmes, Kendrick Holmes, Zevin Corley
City Dance
Ainsley Coleman, Mia Bernstein, Dior Brown, Micaiah DeRenzis, Ella Domask, Jackelyn Echevarria, Mina Lee,
Sydney A. Smith, Isabelle Go
On Cue Theater
Grace Ersek, Della McCahill, Tejis Lodato, Maya Seligman, Cassidy Wolf, Brycen Campbell, Santi De Leon, Nyla Gibbons, Sydney Martin, Eisley Hainline, Aadya Mabotuwana, Julieta Muraresku, Alexa Muraresku, Ori Shankman, Krish Tumbapura, Cleo Wolf, Josh Wood, Alara Yundem
Jazz Trio
Derek Hamilton (Drums); Kyle Rice (Bass); Sean MacCarthy-Grant (Piano)
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
We’re deeply thankful to the generous individuals and organizations whose support makes this celebration possible.
The Neediest Kids Sponsors
The Brickman Family Foundation
Betty’s House Sponsors
Michael & Vicki Herson
Julie & Chad Sweet
JC Nalle Sponsors
Stacy & Seth Silber
Phillip & Valerie Brown
Norman & Joan Glasgow
Richard & Donna Mahan
Scott & Karen Nudelman
GAP-R
Allison Alexander & Greg Coleman
Lewis & Tiffany Askew
Ralph & Lisa Belk
Dr. Sheryl B. Chapman & Mamadou Seck
Fia’s Fabulous Finds
Josiane M. Gabel
GlenLine
Robin & David Gonzales
Sara Jane & Brian Harris
Herson’s Kia
Jackson Payne Buckner Fund
Matt & Cindy Osnos
Susan & Rob Schaefer
Family Shelter
Alix Partners
CohnReznick
Cookie Yay
NCG Insurance
The Sunderman Family
Arlene Selber & Wayne Anmuth
Foster Care
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
DJ Master T
JLL
Ledo’s Rockville
Jermaine & Kristen Lemons
Lerch, Early & Brewer
Tim & Trisha Miller Manarin
Janelle & Zach Martinez
Dr. Stephen & Pam McKenna
Leila & Russell Phillips
Roig Consulting
Jackie Wynn
Mohammed Doka
Jackson’s Pantry
ACSI
Betty Adler Photography
CBRE
Creative Jestures
Toyin Isichei
Betsy Lamond
Jennifer McAleer
Surrounds Landscaping
Nancy Belsoi
