Red, Heart & Soul Gala
November 20 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
32nd Anniversary Gala
An Evening with Purpose
Red, Heart & Soul Gala
An elegant evening of generosity, community, and possibility—supporting quality early learning and childcare for local children.
Share the Gala
November 20, 20266:30–11:00 PM
The Westwood Country ClubVienna, Virginia
Save the Date
Where generosity becomes opportunity.
The Red, Heart & Soul Gala brings together community leaders, partners, and friends who believe that investing in young children strengthens entire families and communities.
The Heart Behind the Gala
Invest early.
Break the cycle.
Change a life.
For 32 years, Devotion To Children has worked from a simple belief: every young child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of family income.
We help working families access quality child care and early learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across the Washington, DC region. By easing the cost of care during the years that matter most, we help children build a strong foundation for school and life.
“With DTC’s support, I was able to continue my education, build my career in the medical field, and create a better future…”
— Noemi, parent supported by the DTC Angel Fund
Why Early Support Matters
The earliest years shape a lifetime.
Consistent, nurturing care gives children room to build language, confidence, curiosity, and school readiness. Yet for many working families, quality care remains financially out of reach.
Research and regional context: These figures are not reported outcomes of Devotion To Children.
New neural connections every second
Scientists estimate that more than one million new neural connections form every second during the first few years of life. Early experiences help build the foundation for later learning and development.
Estimated lifetime benefits for every $1 invested
One landmark study of an intensive, high-quality birth-to-five program for disadvantaged children estimated $7.30 in lifetime benefits for every $1 invested.
Lower-income children enrolled in school
A 2021 regional report found 29% of Northern Virginia 3- and 4-year-olds at or near poverty were enrolled in school, compared with 67% of higher-income children (ACS 2015–2019).
Annualized preschool cost
Fairfax County’s fall 2025 reported range for full-time center-based preschool was $350–$483 per week, based on the 20th–80th percentiles.
Sources: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, “Brain Architecture”; García et al., Journal of Political Economy 128(7), 2020; Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for Life (2021; ACS 2015–2019); Fairfax County Child Care Assistance and Referral, fall 2025 reported rates. The $7.30 estimate reflects one intensive program, not a guaranteed DTC-specific return; annual costs are simple 52-week equivalents.
Your Support Carries the Mission Forward
Three programs. One shared promise.
Tuition Assistance
Helping working families sustain access to quality child care and early learning.
The Angel Fund
Providing short-term assistance to families facing an urgent need.
Children’s Day
Helping rising kindergarteners begin school with backpacks and essential supplies.
What to Expect
A celebration that moves with purpose.
Each chapter of the evening is designed to bring people closer—to the mission, to the families at its heart, and to one another. Program details, hosts, and entertainment will be announced as they are confirmed.
Chapter 1 Welcome & Reception
Reconnect with friends, meet new supporters, and settle into an evening shaped by generosity.
Chapter 2 Dinner & Program
Share a beautiful meal while learning how access to early care can strengthen an entire family.
Chapter 3 Honoring Excellence
Celebrate philanthropic leadership and the preschool educators who shape children’s earliest years.
Chapter 4 A Moment to Give
Join fellow guests in carrying forward practical support for children and working families.
Chapter 5 Celebration
Close the evening together with entertainment, connection, and the joy of a community united around children.
2026 Program
More voices and moments will be announced.
Gala leadership, emcees, entertainment, attire, and the detailed evening program will be added here as they are finalized.
A Tradition of Honoring Excellence
Celebrating those who shape possibility.
The Gala recognizes both philanthropic leadership and the educators who make a child’s first classroom a place of care, discovery, and belonging.
Philanthropic Leadership
William H. Lauer Legacy Award
Named in honor of William H. Lauer, the late husband of DTC founder Rosemary Tran Lauer, this award recognizes exceptional generosity, charitable responsibility, and leadership that inspires others to strengthen opportunities for children.
Explore previous recipientsEarly Educators
Adella W. Cumbie Preschool Teacher Appreciation Award
This award honors devoted preschool educators whose compassion, skill, and constancy shape young children’s earliest experiences of learning and belonging.
Explore previous recipients“A child’s first teachers help make every future classroom possible.”
Honoree Archives
A legacy carried forward.
Open an award archive to explore the published record of individuals and educators recognized through 2024.
2011–2024William H. Lauer Legacy Award recipientsView archive +
CV2011 Award RecipientCharles A. Veatch
CV2011 Award RecipientCasey Veatch
2012 Award RecipientWilliam H. Lauer
2012 Award RecipientWilliam H. LauerRemembered for his integrity, generosity, and steadfast support of Devotion To Children’s earliest work, William H. Lauer’s spirit of service continues through the award that bears his name.
2013 Award RecipientKen Plum
2013 Award RecipientKen PlumA retired educator and longtime Virginia delegate, Ken Plum devoted decades to public education, civic engagement, and community well-being.
2014 Award RecipientJim Cleveland
2014 Award RecipientJim ClevelandA commercial real estate and community leader, Jim Cleveland has supported organizations that enrich life across Northern Virginia, including the YMCA and Greater Reston Arts Center.
2014 Award RecipientKaren Cleveland
2014 Award RecipientKaren ClevelandKaren Cleveland is recognized for strengthening nonprofit and civic institutions and inspiring collaboration across the Northern Virginia community.
2015 Award RecipientSteve Cumbie
2015 Award RecipientSteve CumbieA respected business and community leader, Steve Cumbie has combined decades of commercial real estate leadership with sustained civic service and support for DTC.
2016 Award RecipientJoseph L. Ritchey
2016 Award RecipientJoseph L. RitcheyJoseph L. Ritchey is known for visionary work in commercial real estate, including Reston Town Center, and extensive leadership across regional civic organizations.
2017 Award RecipientMark Silverwood
2017 Award RecipientMark SilverwoodMark Silverwood’s career in real estate and housing has been matched by long-standing service to community health, housing policy, and neighborhood opportunity.
2018 Award RecipientRonald D. Paul
2018 Award RecipientRonald D. PaulThe former EagleBank chairman and CEO is recognized for banking leadership and philanthropy supporting healthcare, education, and research.
DB2019 Award RecipientDarren Bernstein
A dedicated supporter of early childhood education, Darren Bernstein has helped advance DTC’s mission since 2004 while volunteering throughout the community.
CC2020 Award RecipientCharles P. Cocke
ALO2021 Award RecipientAmos-Leon Otis
HT2022 Award RecipientHooshang Tebyanian
2023 Award RecipientChristopher P. MacNamara
2023 Award RecipientChristopher P. MacNamaraA managing director and senior portfolio manager at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Christopher P. MacNamara combines professional leadership with commitment to family and community.
2024 Award RecipientScott C. Plein
2024 Award RecipientScott C. PleinThe founder of Equinox Investments and the White House Farm Foundation is recognized for conservation, youth education, and community philanthropy.
2018–2024Adella W. Cumbie Preschool Teacher Award recipientsView archive +
Kathleen Dade
Suzy Corry
Jennifer Toth
Ana Kuniholm
Mirna Garcia
Sheila Howell
Laurie Johnson
Reggie Vaval
Claudia Nataren
Brenna Diamantes
Jasmeet Kaur
Brielle Quigley
Melissa Landaverde
Le T Dung Le
Past Gala Photos
The joy behind the evening.
A selection of moments from the 2025 Red, Heart & Soul Gala. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Lead the evening. Make the evening possible.
Your sponsorship combines hospitality and recognition with a meaningful commitment to children and working families.
Printable packageDownload Sponsorship Package PDF ↗
Signature Sponsorship
Event Sponsor
$25,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 12 six-month tuition-assistance awards.*
- Recognition as Event Sponsor of the 32nd Anniversary Gala
- Brief dinner remarks by a sponsor representative
- Invitation to the private sponsor reception
- Two premier tables of ten
- Two-page centerfold Gala program advertisement
- Opportunity to participate in an award presentation
- Prominent logo placement in designated Gala materials
- Logo and website recognition through designated DTC channels for 12 months
Signature Sponsorship
Diamond Sponsor
$15,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 7 six-month tuition-assistance awards.*
- Invitation to the private sponsor reception
- Two premier tables of ten
- Full-page Gala program advertisement
- Logo and link on the DTC website
- Recognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 months
Signature Sponsorship
Ruby Sponsor
$10,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 5 six-month tuition-assistance awards.*
- Invitation to the private sponsor reception
- One premier table of ten
- Half-page Gala program advertisement
- Recognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 months
Signature Sponsorship
Platinum Sponsor
$6,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 3 six-month tuition-assistance awards.*
- Invitation to the private sponsor reception
- One premier table of ten
- Recognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 months
*Illustration applies DTC’s 2025 program-service expense ratio (76.1%) to each base sponsorship and divides by a standard six-month tuition-assistance benchmark of $1,500 ($250 per month). Sponsorships support multiple programs; actual allocations and awards vary, including rare case-by-case exceptions.
Supporting Opportunities
Choose the place that fits.
Print Sponsor
$3,500+Six Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.
Select this opportunityA/V Sponsor
$3,000+Six Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.
Select this opportunityGold Sponsor
$3,000+Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.
Select this opportunityVideo / Photography
$2,500+Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.
Select this opportunityFlower Sponsor
$2,500+Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.
Select this opportunitySilver Sponsor
$1,500+Two complimentary Gala tickets.
Select this opportunityDJ Sponsor
$1,500+Two complimentary Gala tickets.
Select this opportunityIndividual Ticket
$300One ticket to the 32nd Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala.
Select this opportunityEvery sponsor will be acknowledged in the Gala program.
With Gratitude
Our Sponsors
We gratefully recognize our 2025 Gala sponsors. The 2026 roster will be updated as new commitments are confirmed.
Cheryl & Michael Sawyers
Bobby Norman
Ken Knueven
Scott Gray
Bang Trinh
Marquez Foundation
Tickets & Sponsorships
Choose how you’ll join us.
Reserve your place, select a sponsorship, or make your Gala commitment securely through BetterUnite.
- Individual ticket
- $300
- Event
- November 20, 2026
- Questions
- rhsgala@devotiontochildren.org
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Gala Support