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THE RED, HEART & SOUL GALA

Name: 31st Red, Heart & Soul Gala
Start: 2025-11-14T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-14T23:00:00-05:00
Location: Ritz-Carlton

Join us for an evening of elegance and philanthropy to support quality education and childcare for local children!

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The Heart Behind the Gala

Since 1994, Devotion To Children (DTC) has been improving the lives of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in need. The Red, Heart & Soul Gala has become our cornerstone fundraising event—a fun-filled yet meaningful night where generosity takes center stage.

Proceeds from the Gala fuel DTC’s programs, including preschool tuition assistance, the Angel Fund for families in crisis, and our annual Children’s Day which provides school supplies to kids entering kindergarten.

Thanks to your support, DTC has helped over 3,000 children and their families through these initiatives.

“With DTC’s support, I was able to continue my education, build my career in the medical field, and create a better future for myself and my daughter”

— Noemi, Child’s Parent Supported by DTC Angel Fund Program

Where Generosity Dresses Up for a Night Out

The Red, Heart & Soul Gala is a celebration of people who give from the heart. Each year, the evening highlights two traditions that make the night especially meaningful: the Adella W. Cumbie Preschool Teacher Appreciation Award, which honors devoted educators shaping young children’s earliest years, and the William H. Lauer Legacy Award, which celebrates philanthropists whose generosity inspires hope and opportunity.

By shining a light on these champions, the Gala reminds us that together we can lift up families, open doors for children, and create brighter futures. It is a night filled with gratitude, joy, and purpose—an evening where every guest plays a part in making a lasting difference.

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Save the Date

Theme & Attire

Black tie (optional)/Gowns (Red, Black, Gold, or Silver)

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, energy, and endless dancing! ✨ Step into the glitz and glamour of the Great Gatsby era—where the music never stops and the dance floor keeps calling. Come dressed to dazzle in your most glamorous sparkles of red, black, silver, or gold, and let the night sweep you away in pure Roaring ’20s style. This is your chance to shine, celebrate, and dance the night away in true Gatsby fashion!

Venue

The Ritz‑Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA 22102

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When

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025

Time: 6:00 – 11:00 PM EST

What to Expect

Step into an unforgettable evening where celebration meets purpose. Each year, the Red, Heart & Soul Gala is elevated by distinguished emcees, honorary chairs, and acclaimed entertainers, creating an atmosphere that balances sophistication with heartfelt impact. It’s also a night to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate the bonds that strengthen our community.

To give you a sense of the magic, here are some of the moments that have made past Galas so special, leading to the excitement of this year’s 2025 celebration.

2014

12^th Anniversary

The 12^th Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala sparkled with elegance and community spirit. The evening was emceed by Surae Chinn, WUSA-TV9 reporter in 2014, who guided guests through a night of celebration and philanthropy. A highlight performance by Cuong Van brought cultural vibrancy and artistry to the stage, captivating the audience.
Together with spirited auctions and heartfelt tributes, the program reinforced DTC’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through early childhood education.

13^th Anniversary

The 13^th Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala was an emotional evening, guided by Angie Goff, news anchor at NBC4 Washington in 2015, as emcee. Guests gathered not only to celebrate DTC’s impact, but also to honor the life and legacy of William H. Lauer, beloved husband of founder Rosemary Tran Lauer, whose passing that year deeply touched the community.
The night blended remembrance with celebration, featuring heartfelt tributes, live entertainment, and spirited auctions that carried forward his vision of supporting young children in need.

2015

2019

25^th Anniversary

At our 25^th Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala, guests enjoyed an evening filled with lively performances, interactive entertainment, and unforgettable music. The celebration was guided by NBC4’s Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer as emcee, with Senator Mark Warner serving as honorary chair.
Together, they set the tone for a milestone night that honored DTC’s 25 years of impact and left guests inspired for the future.

27^th Anniversary

The 27^th Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala marked DTC’s long-awaited return after the pandemic pause, reuniting the community in person for the first time in two years. Guests were transported into a Gatsby-themed evening filled with the glamour and energy of the Roaring Twenties.
With Senator Mark Warner as Honorary Chair and Doug Kammerer returning as emcee to guide the evening, the night felt both joyful and significant, filled with the energy of reunions and the optimism of a long-awaited reunion.

2021

2024

30^th Anniversary

The 30^th Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala was a dazzling milestone celebration. The evening opened with a show-stopping performance by Trinity Bosley, the 2023 Little Miss Maryland Earth USA, who immediately captivated the audience and set the tone for the night ahead.
The program also marked a historic transition as founder Rosemary Tran Lauer officially stepped down as President, symbolizing gratitude for the past and hope for the future.

2025

Red, Heart & Soul Gala

31^st Anniversary

This year, step back in time to the Roaring 20s for an unforgettable evening of glamour, music, and giving. Inspired by The Great Gatsby era, the celebration promises a night of live jazz, elegance, and community impact.

Guided by dedicated community leaders and an engaging host, the program will welcome guests, honor changemakers, and set the stage for a night to remember. To match the energy, soulful jazz performances will infuse the celebration with rhythm, sophistication, and a touch of swing, blending community, class, and cause.

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Guests can look forward to a range of experiences, including:

🍸 A lively cocktail reception
Presenting Campbell Moon

🍽️ A 5-course dinner
Crafted to perfection

🎟️ Spirited auctions & raffles
Exclusive prizes

🍷 Cocktail & Wine Bars
Throughout the evening

🍰 Dessert & Coffee Station
For the sweet tooths

🎶 Dazzling live performances
Elevating the celebration

Meet the Red, Heart & Soul Gala Co-Chairs

The Red Heart & Soul Gala is proudly led by Co-Chairs Thao Sofo and Wendy Marquez, whose leadership sets the tone for an unforgettable night of giving.

Welcome our Red, Heart & Soul Gala Emcees

A trusted duo of dynamic hosts, Ms. Annie Yu and Mr. Tony Perkins will lead the evening with heart and momentum.

Entertainment Lineup

Welcoming back The WaterSign Jazz Band, featuring special performances by local jazz vocalists Warren Fisher and Imani-Grace, and Campbell Moon setting the tone for our cocktail reception!

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A Tradition of Honoring Excellence

William H. Lauer

Legacy Award

The William H. Lauer Legacy Award is named after Rosemary Tran Lauer’s late husband, the first Legacy Award recipient. This award is given in recognition to an individual, with a proven record of exceptional generosity of financial or other support, who demonstrates outstanding charitable responsibility, and encourages others to take on philanthropic leadership roles in the community that impact children.

This individual has also supported the mission of Devotion To Children of providing access to high-quality early childhood educational programs for pre-school children from financially challenged families.

Honorees

Previous Awardees

Charles A. Veatch

2011 Award Recipient

Casey Veatch

2011 Award Recipient

William H. Lauer

2012 Award Recipient

William H. Lauer is remembered as a man of integrity, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and community. As the late husband of Devotion To Children’s founder, Rosemary Tran Lauer, he stood as a pillar of support during the organization’s earliest days, championing its mission to give every child the opportunity to thrive. A believer in the power of education and compassion, his life reflected a deep commitment to helping others reach their potential.

In recognition of his enduring impact, Devotion To Children established the William H. Lauer Legacy Award, with Mr. Lauer as its first honoree. This award continues to honor individuals whose leadership, philanthropy, and dedication mirror the values he lived by, ensuring that his spirit of service carries forward to future generations.

Ken Plum

2013 Award Recipient

The Honorable Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum is remembered as one of Virginia’s longest-serving and most dedicated public servants. A retired teacher and Fairfax County Public Schools administrator, he devoted his career to advancing education, civic engagement, and community well-being. Over more than four decades in the Virginia House of Delegates, Ken became a trusted voice on issues ranging from public education to environmental stewardship, earning recognition from countless organizations for his leadership and advocacy. His legacy is reflected not only in the policies he championed but also in the lives he touched and the institutions that continue to bear his influence, including the Plum Center for Lifelong Learning in Fairfax County.

Jim Cleveland

2014 Award Recipient

Jim Cleveland is widely respected for his decades of leadership in commercial real estate development and community engagement. Known as an authority on planned communities, he has shared his expertise as both an executive and consultant while remaining deeply committed to philanthropy. Jim has played an instrumental role in supporting organizations that enrich community life, including the YMCA Fairfax County in Reston and the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). His career reflects not only professional accomplishment but also a lasting dedication to building stronger communities.

Karen Cleveland

2014 Award Recipient

Karen Cleveland has built a distinguished career helping leaders and organizations achieve their full potential. A visionary nonprofit and business leader, she guided major organizations through periods of growth and left a lasting mark on the Northern Virginia region. Her leadership has been recognized across sectors, from her work with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia to her ongoing commitment to advancing civic engagement and community development. Karen continues to be known for her ability to inspire collaboration, strengthen institutions, and champion service at every level.

Steve Cumbie

2015 Award Recipient

Steve Cumbie is a respected business and community leader with decades of experience in commercial real estate as CEO and principal of NVCommercial, NVRetail, and the Metro Realty Group. He has overseen major projects across the Washington, D.C., and Denver regions while also serving in leadership roles with Inova Health System, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, and NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Recognized for his expertise and civic commitment, he has been appointed to multiple Virginia boards and commissions, and he remains a long-time supporter of Devotion To Children.

Joseph L. Ritchey

2016 Award Recipient

Joseph L. Ritchey is a distinguished leader in commercial real estate and community development, best known as Principal Broker of Prospective Inc. and for his role in shaping Reston Town Center into a nationally recognized model of urban planning and design. Throughout his career, he has combined professional excellence with deep civic involvement, serving on boards and lending his expertise to organizations spanning the arts, healthcare, education, business, and transportation. Widely honored for his contributions, Ritchey embodies a lasting commitment to building stronger communities through vision, leadership, and service.

Mark Silverwood

2017 Award Recipient

Mark Silverwood is a respected leader in real estate development and management, serving as President and CEO of Silverwood Associates, Inc. and Silverwood Management, Inc., as well as a partner in Silverwood Investments, LLC. With decades of experience, he has overseen the acquisition, renovation, and management of thousands of residential units and extensive commercial space throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and beyond. Committed to strengthening communities, he has contributed his expertise through service on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the Arlington Free Clinic, the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, and housing policy committees at both state and national levels. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to building not only successful projects, but also opportunities that enhance the lives of families and neighborhoods.

Ronald D. Paul

2018 Award Recipient

Ronald D. Paul is a distinguished banking and community leader who served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank, the largest community bank headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. Under his leadership, the bank grew to billions in assets and became a cornerstone of regional economic life. Widely recognized for his vision and impact, he has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame and recognition as “Community Banker of the Year” by the Independent Community Bankers of America. Beyond business, he has devoted himself to philanthropy and service, establishing the EagleBank Foundation to support healthcare, education, and research, and founding the Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center at George Washington University. Together with his wife Joy, he has been celebrated for his generosity, leadership, and lasting contributions to the community.

Darren Bernstein

2019 Award Recipient

Darren Bernstein of Bernstein Management, Inc. is a dedicated supporter of early childhood education and community service. Inspired by the mission of Devotion To Children in 2004, he has played a vital role in advancing programs that provide access to quality early learning for children from economically disadvantaged families. Beyond his commitment to DTC, Darren has volunteered his time with organizations such as KEEN, Get Well Networks, and the Chabad communities of Fairfax and Tysons Corner. His generosity, leadership, and sustained dedication to children and families embody the values of the William H. Lauer Legacy Award.

Charles P. Cocke

2020 Award Recipient

ALO

Amos-Leon Otis

2021 Award Recipient

Hooshang Tebyanian

2022 Award Recipient

Christopher P. MacNamara

2023 Award Recipient

Christopher P. MacNamara is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, recognized among the top tier of financial advisors worldwide. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1995, he has built a distinguished career focused on managing investment portfolios with an emphasis on efficiency and long-term value. A founding member of the MacNamara, Tran, Mason, Harting & Burnette Group, he brings deep expertise in investment strategy and client service. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Ithaca College and earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Selected as one of only 35 Merrill Financial Advisors nationwide to attend Harvard Business School’s executive program, he exemplifies leadership in his profession while remaining deeply committed to his family and community in Potomac, Maryland, where he lives with his wife and three sons.

Scott C. Plein

2024 Award Recipient

Scott C. Plein is the founding principal of Equinox Investments, LLC, a Northern Virginia real estate development company recognized for advancing projects that balance growth with environmental stewardship. With over four decades of experience, he has led efforts such as the Villages of Piedmont at Leopold’s Preserve, which dedicates hundreds of acres to conservation and education. Through his nonprofit White House Farm Foundation, Scott has expanded opportunities for young people to connect with nature, while also administering scholarships to support future environmental leaders. An active philanthropist, he has served on numerous boards and initiatives supporting ecological health, children, and families across the region, reflecting his lifelong commitment to building stronger communities and protecting the environment.

Adella W. Cumbie

Preschool Appreciation Award

The Devotion To Children Preschool Appreciation Award in honor of Adella W. Cumbie is named after a North Carolina preschool innovator who became a Head Start teacher in the first year of the program. Mrs. Cumbie passed away in 2013. She was the mother of local businessman Mr. Stephen Cumbie.

With this award, we hope to continue support Mrs. Cumbie’s vision of providing educational opportunities to children of preschool ages irrespective of their background. We hope to accomplish this by recognizing and rewarding individuals in the world of early childhood education that emulate the qualities that were near and dear to Mrs. Cumbie’s heart and were reflected through her actions.

Honorees