Annual Children's Day
2026-08-08 00:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)

Red, Heart & Soul Gala
2026-11-20 18:30 - 23:00
Join Devotion To Children for the 32nd Red, Heart & Soul Gala on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. at The Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia. Enjoy an elegant evening of generosity, community, and purpose supporting quality early learning and childcare for local children and working families throughout the Washington, DC region. Reserve your place or become a sponsor.

32nd Anniversary Gala EventWhy EarlyExperienceAwardsPhotosSponsorshipsSponsorsAn Evening with Purpose Red, Heart & Soul GalaAn elegant evening of generosity, community, and possibility—supporting quality early learning and childcare for local children. Buy TicketsSponsor the GalaShare the GalaNovember 20, 20266:30–11:00 PMThe Westwood Country ClubVienna, VirginiaSave 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, 2026Time6:30–11:00 PMVenueThe Westwood Country ClubLocationVienna, VirginiaOpen venue in Google Maps ↗ 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 FundEvery 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 secondScientists 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. $7.30Estimated lifetime benefits for every $1 investedOne 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 schoolA 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–$25KAnnualized preschool costFairfax 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.01Tuition AssistanceHelping working families sustain access to quality child care and early learning. 02The Angel FundProviding short-term assistance to families facing an urgent need. 03Children’s DayHelping 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. 01Chapter 1Welcome & ReceptionReconnect with friends, meet new supporters, and settle into an evening shaped by generosity. 02Chapter 2Dinner & ProgramShare a beautiful meal while learning how access to early care can strengthen an entire family. 03Chapter 3Honoring ExcellenceCelebrate philanthropic leadership and the preschool educators who shape children’s earliest years. 04Chapter 4A Moment to GiveJoin fellow guests in carrying forward practical support for children and working families. 05Chapter 5CelebrationClose 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 AwardNamed 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 AwardThis 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. VeatchCV2011 Award RecipientCasey Veatch2012 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. CockeALO2021 Award RecipientAmos-Leon OtisHT2022 Award RecipientHooshang Tebyanian2023 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 +2018Kathleen DadeSuzy CorryJennifer TothAna Kuniholm2019Mirna GarciaSheila HowellLaurie JohnsonReggie Vaval2021Claudia Nataren2022Brenna Diamantes2023Jasmeet Kaur2024Brielle QuigleyMelissa LandaverdeLe T Dung LePast 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 GalaBrief dinner remarks by a sponsor representativeInvitation to the private sponsor receptionTwo premier tables of tenTwo-page centerfold Gala program advertisementOpportunity to participate in an award presentationProminent logo placement in designated Gala materialsLogo and website recognition through designated DTC channels for 12 monthsBecome a sponsorSignature Sponsorship Diamond Sponsor$15,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 7 six-month tuition-assistance awards.* Invitation to the private sponsor receptionTwo premier tables of tenFull-page Gala program advertisementLogo and link on the DTC websiteRecognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 monthsBecome a sponsorSignature Sponsorship Ruby Sponsor$10,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 5 six-month tuition-assistance awards.* Invitation to the private sponsor receptionOne premier table of tenHalf-page Gala program advertisementRecognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 monthsBecome a sponsorSignature Sponsorship Platinum Sponsor$6,000+Could help fund the equivalent of 3 six-month tuition-assistance awards.* Invitation to the private sponsor receptionOne premier table of tenRecognition through designated print and digital channels for 12 monthsBecome 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 →Silver Sponsor$1,500+Two complimentary Gala tickets. Select this opportunity →DJ Sponsor$1,500+Two complimentary Gala tickets. Select this opportunity →Individual Ticket$300One ticket to the 32nd Anniversary Red, Heart & Soul Gala. Select this opportunity →Every sponsor will be acknowledged in the Gala program. With Gratitude Our SponsorsWe gratefully recognize our 2025 Gala sponsors. The 2026 roster will be updated as new commitments are confirmed. Cheryl & Michael SawyersBobby NormanKen KnuevenScott GrayBang TrinhMarquez FoundationTickets & Sponsorships Choose how you’ll join us.Reserve your place, select a sponsorship, or make your Gala commitment securely through BetterUnite. Individual ticket$300EventNovember 20, 2026Questionsrhsgala@devotiontochildren.orgFlexible ways to giveStock, DAF & cryptocurrencyGifts of stock, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and cryptocurrency are available through BetterUnite’s full secure checkout. Open alternative payment options ↗Checkout not appearing? Open the secure checkout directly ↗ Gala Support Questions about tickets or sponsorships?rhsgala@devotiontochildren.org
