WASHINGTON, D.C. — In November 2026, the national child advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host its highly anticipated "A National Celebration of Joy," a premier gala established to honor national changemakers, uplift youth advocates, and celebrate the powerful partnerships that drive its decades-long mission for children.
The prestigious event, set to take place at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre, will also feature the presentation of CDF’s esteemed Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award. This high-profile accolade is dedicated to recognizing individuals and institutions that champion forward-thinking policies, build grassroots community power, and strengthen programs designed to dramatically improve the lives of children and youth across the United States. The award proudly bears the name of CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, honoring her lifelong dedication to the nation’s youngest populations.
As anticipation builds for the November gathering, CDF leadership has reflected on the profound significance of the recognition.
"The Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award is CDF’s highest honor, recognizing servant leaders whose advocacy and partnership have made a demonstrable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families," said CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. "This year, the award has been renamed in honor of our Founder and President Emerita, Marian Wright Edelman."
In a major announcement leading up to the gala, CDF proudly named Casey Family Programs as one of this year’s distinguished award recipients. As the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care while simultaneously improving the overall safety, health, and well-being of children, Casey Family Programs has established a monumental footprint in the child welfare landscape.
Established six decades ago in 1966 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey, the Seattle-based organization has grown into a cornerstone of American child welfare reform. Today, the foundation is led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D. Under Dr. Bell’s strategic direction, the foundation operates nine field offices across the country and leads a dedicated staff that works hand-in-hand directly with youth navigating the complex public child welfare system.
The upcoming gala promises to be a landmark evening celebrating these monumental contributions. The official event details are as follows:
What: National Celebration of Joy
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | Dinner and Program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Dr. Wilson offered high praise for Casey Family Programs, emphasizing both its visionary approach to child well-being and its historic, enduring partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund, which makes the organization a remarkably fitting recipient of the honor.
"It is our privilege to honor Casey Family Programs as the first institutional recipient of the Marian Wright Edelman Award," Dr. Wilson said. "For 60 years, Casey Family Programs has been building Communities of Hope to ensure more children grow up safely at home. Working in all fifty states, their mission is to provide and improve — and ultimately prevent the need for — foster care. Casey Family Programs is one of CDF’s most enduring institutional partners in advocacy, thought leadership, investment, and a shared commitment."
The gala at the historic Howard Theatre will bring together prominent leaders, philanthropists, youth advocates, and community organizers from across the nation. By gathering to celebrate organizations like Casey Family Programs, the Children’s Defense Fund continues to highlight the critical importance of collaboration, systemic reform, and unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up with dignity, safety, and joy.
For more information regarding the National Celebration of Joy, media inquiries, or to learn more about the Children’s Defense Fund and its ongoing initiatives, individuals can contact John Henry, CDF Media Relations Manager, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 708-646-7679.
