WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a prominent national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and championing the rights and well-being of youth, has officially announced the formation of its prestigious national host committee. Comprising an influential group of business executives, nonprofit leaders, and community changemakers, the committee has been established to support the organization’s upcoming landmark event, A National Celebration of Joy.
Scheduled to take place this coming November at the Historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., the gala has been thoughtfully designed to honor extraordinary changemakers, celebrate dedicated youth advocates, and shine a spotlight on the powerful partnerships that continually drive the organization’s mission forward.
The involvement of the newly appointed national host committee represents a vital pillar of support for the event and for the broader operational goals of the Children’s Defense Fund. According to the organization, the invaluable support lent by these leaders directly fuels CDF’s ongoing capacity to expand impactful programs and champion robust public policies designed to safeguard the nation’s youth. By combining their extensive professional expertise, leadership, and philanthropic commitment, these champions are ensuring that the broader movement for child well-being maintains its momentum at both the regional and national levels.
The upcoming gala will serve not only as a celebratory evening recognizing individuals who have dedicated their time and talents to advocacy, but also as a crucial moment for reflection and forward planning. As the organization prepares to gather supporters, advocates, and community leaders in the heart of the nation’s capital, the focus remains firmly fixed on the collective effort required to create a society where every child can thrive.
For those planning to attend or cover the landmark evening, the Children’s Defense Fund has released the official schedule and logistical details for the gathering.
Event Details:
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
The success of the national host committee relies on the diverse talents, regional reach, and dedicated leadership of its esteemed members, who represent a wide array of sectors including finance, healthcare, community development, corporate enterprise, and spiritual leadership. The individuals lending their names and expertise to the National Celebration of Joy Host Committee bring a wealth of experience from across the United States.
Among the distinguished members serving on the committee is Annie Donovan, President and CEO of RDF, based in Washington, D.C., who brings critical insights into community development financing and strategic growth. Representing the business and insurance sector in North Carolina is Bryan Beasley, a business insurance consultant with MMA, whose professional background adds valuable perspective to the committee’s nationwide reach.
Leadership for the committee is spearheaded by designated co-chairs who bring high-level vision and philanthropic dedication to the initiative. Dakarai I. Aarons, Founder of the Aarons Family Giving Fund in California, serves as a Co-Chair, lending philanthropic leadership rooted in equity and youth opportunity. Alongside him, Zack Boyers, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank Impact Finance based in Missouri, serves as Co-Chair, bringing extensive expertise in community investment, economic development, and sustainable financial strategies that support underserved communities.
The healthcare sector is strongly represented on the committee by Dana Weston Graves, Market President for Sentara Health in Virginia, whose leadership in regional health systems underscores the intrinsic connection between health equity and child well-being. In the financial sector, Daniel Welch, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Washington, D.C., lends his financial acumen and institutional leadership to support the organization’s broader philanthropic goals.
Legal, corporate, and advisory expertise is further bolstered by Dan Kenney, a Partner at Mitchell & Titus, LLP in Maryland, whose professional background in accounting and advisory services contributes rigorous oversight and operational strength to the committee’s efforts. The spiritual and moral foundation of the community is reflected through the inclusion of the Rev. Dr. Don Darius Butler, Pastor of The Concord Fellowship in Alabama, who provides visionary guidance and spiritual leadership to the advocacy community.
Communications, marketing, and enterprise management are well represented by Durecia Moorer, Managing Partner and CMO of ABCD & Company in Maryland, whose strategic marketing insights help amplify the organization’s messaging and public outreach. The committee also benefits from the philanthropic dedication of Gail and Michael R. Holmes, with Michael serving as Chairman Emeritus of RX Outreach in Missouri, bringing a long-standing commitment to expanding access to essential resources for families in need.
Expanding the geographic representation of the committee into the southwest, Lan Bentsen serves as Executive Producer of The Bentsen Blueprint in Texas, bringing creative media perspective and regional engagement to the national platform. At the organizational helm, Drs. LaToya and Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund based in Maryland, provide executive leadership, guiding the strategic vision of the organization and working hand-in-hand with the host committee to ensure the gala achieves its ambitious goals.
Further reinforcing the committee’s corporate and real estate development expertise is W. Clay Grubb, Chief Executive Officer of Grubb Properties in North Carolina, whose leadership in sustainable development and community building aligns closely with CDF’s vision for stable, thriving environments for children and families.
In light of this robust assembly of leaders, the Children’s Defense Fund has expressed its profound gratitude to the committee members for their steadfast partnership and ongoing dedication to the cause. The organization emphasizes that the commitment of these leaders goes far beyond a single evening of celebration; it represents a continuous, collaborative effort to address the systemic challenges facing youth today.
Reflecting on the overarching purpose of the event and the collaborative spirit of the host committee, the organization noted the deep significance of the work ahead. As the advocacy community pauses to evaluate past milestones, the focus remains trained on the future and the shared responsibility of protecting the next generation.
"As we reflect on the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work ahead, we will honor the collective effort required to ensure every young person can grow up with dignity, hope, and joy," the organization stated in a recent release. "We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of these leaders, whose partnership is vital to realizing our critical mission."
The National Celebration of Joy promises to be a defining moment for the Children’s Defense Fund as it continues to mobilize national leaders, lawmakers, community organizers, and philanthropists in defense of children’s rights. By honoring those who have broken barriers and uplifted youth, the organization reinforces its historical commitment to ensuring that every child has a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start, and a moral start in life.
For further information regarding the event, ticketing, sponsorship opportunities, or media accreditation for the upcoming gala at the Historic Howard Theatre, members of the press and interested supporters are encouraged to reach out to John Henry, CDF Media Relations Manager, via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 708-646-7679. Additional updates concerning the program, featured speakers, and honorees will be shared by the Children’s Defense Fund in the weeks leading up to the November gathering.
