Events from November 20 – Devotion To Children https://www.devotiontochildren.org/events/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:21:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://www.devotiontochildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Events from November 20 – Devotion To Children https://www.devotiontochildren.org/events/ 32 32 Red, Heart & Soul Gala https://www.devotiontochildren.org/event/gala/ Fri, 20 Nov 2026 23:30:00 +0000 https://www.devotiontochildren.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=19466 An elegant evening of generosity, community, and purpose—supporting quality early learning and childcare for local children and working families across the Washington, DC region.

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November 20 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Devotion To Children

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.

Buy TicketsSponsor the Gala
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.

DateFriday, November 20, 2026
Time6:30–11:00 PM
VenueThe Westwood Country Club
LocationVienna, Virginia

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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
A smiling young child supported by early learning opportunities
Every child deserves a strong beginning.

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.

1,000,000+

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.

$7.30

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.

29%

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).

$18K–$25K

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.

01

Tuition Assistance

Helping working families sustain access to quality child care and early learning.

02

The Angel Fund

Providing short-term assistance to families facing an urgent need.

03

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.

  1. Chapter 1

    Welcome & Reception

    Reconnect with friends, meet new supporters, and settle into an evening shaped by generosity.

  2. Chapter 2

    Dinner & Program

    Share a beautiful meal while learning how access to early care can strengthen an entire family.

  3. Chapter 3

    Honoring Excellence

    Celebrate philanthropic leadership and the preschool educators who shape children’s earliest years.

  4. Chapter 4

    A Moment to Give

    Join fellow guests in carrying forward practical support for children and working families.

  5. 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.

A William H. Lauer Legacy Award presentation at a past Gala

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 recipients

Early 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

Remembered 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

A retired educator and longtime Virginia delegate, Ken Plum devoted decades to public education, civic engagement, and community well-being.

2014 Award RecipientJim Cleveland

A 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

Karen Cleveland is recognized for strengthening nonprofit and civic institutions and inspiring collaboration across the Northern Virginia community.

2015 Award RecipientSteve Cumbie

A 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

Joseph 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

Mark 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

The 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

A 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

The 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
2018

Kathleen Dade

Suzy Corry

Jennifer Toth

Ana Kuniholm

2019

Mirna Garcia

Sheila Howell

Laurie Johnson

Reggie Vaval

2021

Claudia Nataren

2022

Brenna Diamantes

2023

Jasmeet Kaur

2024

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
Become a sponsor

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
Become a sponsor

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
Become a sponsor

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
Become a sponsor

*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 opportunity

A/V Sponsor

$3,000+

Six Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.

Select this opportunity

Gold Sponsor

$3,000+

Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.

Select this opportunity

Video / Photography

$2,500+

Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.

Select this opportunity

Flower Sponsor

$2,500+

Four Gala tickets and recognition through designated DTC print and digital channels for 12 months.

Select this opportunity

Every 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.

United BankNational Cooperative BankMerrill LynchConcept PlusTES ConsultantsTetra Global Real EstateCST Group
Cheryl & Michael Sawyers
Poker Players Who Care
Queen of Hearts
The Hannah Lee Fund
Bobby Norman
ART LLC
Ken Knueven
Reston Wealth Management
Scott Gray
SoBran, Inc.Eden CenterSunrise Auto HausFine Art Bay Inc.
Bang Trinh
Balannx
Plein Family Foundation
Marquez Foundation
Little Lana’s Cookies

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

Checkout not appearing? Open the secure checkout directly

Gala Support

Questions about tickets or sponsorships?

rhsgala@devotiontochildren.org

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