The high-profile event, scheduled to take place at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre, will serve as a gathering space for national leaders, philanthropists, community organizers, and youth advocates. A central highlight of the evening will be the presentation of CDF’s Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award, an esteemed accolade recognizing individuals and institutions that champion progressive policies, build community power, and strengthen programs designed to dramatically improve the lives of children and youth. The award is named in honor of CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, whose lifelong dedication to the rights and welfare of children has shaped generations of American social policy.
As the organization prepares for the upcoming festivities, CDF leadership has announced that Casey Family Programs will be one of the distinguished recipients of this year’s honor. Casey Family Programs stands as the nation’s largest operating foundation focused exclusively on safely reducing the need for foster care while simultaneously improving the safety, permanence, and well-being of children and youth across the United States.
Reflecting on the significance of the accolade and the partnership, CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson emphasized the profound impact of the organization’s honoree.
"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 Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. "This year, the award has been renamed in honor of our Founder and President Emerita, Marian Wright Edelman."
Established back in 1966 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey, the Seattle-based foundation has grown into a cornerstone of American child welfare advocacy and practice. Today, Casey Family Programs is led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D. In his leadership role, Dr. Bell provides the strategic direction necessary to guide the foundation’s nine field offices nationwide, while actively leading a dedicated staff that works hand-in-hand with youth, families, and professionals directly involved in the public child welfare system.
The partnership between CDF and Casey Family Programs represents a convergence of shared values and decades of collaborative effort aimed at transforming systemic approaches to child welfare. Dr. Wilson praised Casey Family Programs for its visionary approach to child well-being and its historic relationship with the Children’s Defense Fund, noting that these attributes make the foundation an exceptionally fitting recipient for the inaugural institutional presentation of the newly renamed award.
"It is our privilege to honor Casey Family Programs as the first institutional recipient of the Marian Wright Edelman Award," Dr. Wilson stated. "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 upcoming gala promises to bring together leaders from across the political, philanthropic, and social justice spectra to celebrate six decades of visionary work by Casey Family Programs and to reaffirm a collective dedication to the nation’s youth. By gathering at the historic Howard Theatre, attendees will not only recognize past achievements but also steel themselves for the ongoing work required to protect and uplift children and families in communities nationwide.
Event organizers have released the official details for A National Celebration of Joy, inviting supporters, media personnel, and community stakeholders to participate in the landmark evening. The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, commencing with dinner and the main program starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. The venue, the Historic Howard Theatre, is located at 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Individuals seeking further information regarding the gala, ticketing, sponsorship opportunities, or media credentials are encouraged to reach out to John Henry, CDF Media Relations Manager, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 708-646-7679. Additional details can also be found by visiting the official Children’s Defense Fund website at childrensdefense.org, where updates on the organization’s ongoing national initiatives and advocacy campaigns are regularly published.
