The award presentation will take place this coming November at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., during the Children’s Defense Fund’s signature gala event, A National Celebration of Joy. The national gathering was established to honor extraordinary changemakers, elevate youth advocates, and celebrate the powerful, collaborative partnerships that drive the organization’s ongoing mission on behalf of America’s children.
The honor bears the name of Marian Wright Edelman, the pioneering civil rights activist, attorney, and founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund. Edelman’s decades-long dedication to disadvantaged children has left an indelible mark on the nation’s social policy landscape, making an award in her name a profound testament to systemic impact and servant leadership.
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, emphasized the significance of the award and the rationale behind honoring Casey Family Programs during this year’s gala.
“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. Wilson. “This year, the award has been renamed in honor of our Founder and President Emerita, Marian Wright Edelman. It is our privilege to honor Casey Family Programs as the first institutional recipient of the Marian Wright Edelman Award.”
Founded in 1966 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey, Seattle-based Casey Family Programs has grown over the past six decades to become the nation’s largest operating foundation focused explicitly on safely reducing the need for foster care while continuously improving the safety, permanence, and overall well-being of children. Today, the nationwide organization is led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D., a nationally recognized leader in child welfare. Under Dr. Bell’s strategic direction, the foundation operates nine field offices and oversees a dedicated staff that works hand-in-hand with youth, families, and communities embedded within public child welfare systems across all fifty states.
Rev. Dr. Wilson praised Casey Family Programs for its visionary approach to child well-being and its enduring, historic partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund, noting that these qualities make the foundation an exceptionally fitting recipient for the inaugural institutional honor.
“For 60 years, Casey Family Programs has been building Communities of Hope to ensure more children grow up safely at home,” Dr. Wilson added. “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 at the historic Howard Theatre is expected to draw prominent civil rights leaders, youth advocates, policymakers, and philanthropic partners from across the country. In addition to celebrating Casey Family Programs, the evening will spotlight the broader community of individuals and organizations working to secure a brighter future for the next generation.
The National Celebration of Joy is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street NW in Washington, D.C. The evening’s festivities will begin with dinner and the core program starting at 7:00 p.m. Additional details regarding event programming, speakers, and honorees can be found through the Children’s Defense Fund official communication channels.
