WASHINGTON, D.C. — In November 2026, the national advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host its highly anticipated “A National Celebration of Joy,” a premier gala established to honor visionary changemakers, celebrate dedicated youth advocates, and recognize the enduring partnerships that drive the organization’s mission forward on behalf of children and families across the United States.
The prestigious event, scheduled to take place at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre, will feature the presentation of CDF’s highest honor: the Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award. This distinguished accolade is bestowed upon individuals and institutions that champion progressive policies, build robust 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, a towering figure in the American civil rights and child advocacy movements.
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, emphasized the profound significance of the award and the legacy of its namesake during the formal announcement of this year’s honorees.
“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 Dr. Wilson. “This year, the award has been renamed in honor of our Founder and President Emerita, Marian Wright Edelman.”
For the upcoming 2026 celebration, CDF has announced that Casey Family Programs will be named as a recipient of the prestigious award. The nationwide organization stands as America’s largest operating foundation focused specifically on safely reducing the need for foster care while simultaneously improving the overall safety, health, and well-being of vulnerable children.
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 policy and practice. Today, Casey Family Programs is led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D., a nationally recognized leader in the field of child welfare. Under Dr. Bell’s strategic direction, the foundation operates nine field offices across the country and leads a dedicated staff that works directly with youth, families, and professionals embedded within public child welfare systems.
The forthcoming gala will bring together prominent advocates, philanthropists, community leaders, and youth champions for an evening dedicated to reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to the nation’s youth. The schedule for the evening places the main program and dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, hosted at the iconic Howard Theatre located at 620 T Street NW in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Wilson praised Casey Family Programs not only for its unwavering vision for child well-being but also for its historic and multifaceted partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund, qualities that make the foundation a uniquely fitting recipient of the 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 selection of Casey Family Programs highlights a shared history of collaboration between the two organizations, both of which have spent decades tackling systemic issues affecting American youth. By addressing the root causes of family separation and investing in community-based support networks, Casey Family Programs has aligned closely with CDF’s broader legislative and community organizing agendas.
As the date of the November gala approaches, anticipation continues to build within the national advocacy community. The event at the historic Howard Theatre is expected to draw a diverse array of leaders from the worlds of philanthropy, public policy, social work, and civil rights advocacy, all gathering to celebrate the milestones achieved by Casey Family Programs and to honor the enduring legacy of Marian Wright Edelman. Through this recognition, the Children’s Defense Fund aims to spotlight the vital importance of institutional collaboration and long-term investment in creating a society where every child can thrive safely and joyfully within their own community and family.
