WASHINGTON, D.C. — In November 2026, the national child advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host “A National Celebration of Joy,” a premier gala established to honor changemakers and youth advocates while celebrating the powerful partnerships that drive its ongoing mission for children across the United States.
The high-profile event, scheduled to take place at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre, will feature the presentation of CDF’s esteemed Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award. This accolade is presented to individuals and institutions that champion critical policies, build robust community power, and strengthen programs designed to drastically improve the lives of children and youth. The award is named in profound honor of CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, whose lifelong dedication to child advocacy laid the foundation for the organization’s enduring legacy.
“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.”
For its upcoming 2026 celebration, the Children’s Defense Fund is proud to announce Elizabeth “Liz” and Don Thompson as the historic first individual community builders to receive the award.
The long-time married couple has forged an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, corporate leadership, and community service, both collectively and through their individual endeavors. Together, they co-founded The CAFE Group, a prominent national nonprofit dedicated to supporting education leaders through vital funding, expansive professional networks, and targeted leadership development. In addition to their educational philanthropy, they co-founded Cleveland Avenue, a Chicago-based investment firm focused on supporting innovative entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Currently, Liz Thompson serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of The CAFE Group, bringing more than three decades of distinguished nonprofit and education leadership experience to her role. Don Thompson serves as the Founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, following a stellar global business career that included leading McDonald’s Corporation as one of the first African American Chief Executive Officers of a Fortune 500 company. Their combined professional paths reflect a deep-seated dedication to creating pathways to success in both the corporate and civic sectors.
Dr. Wilson commended the Thompsons for their exceptional philanthropic and business leadership, noting their unwavering focus on creating tangible opportunities and helping communities drive lasting, systemic change.
“Liz and Don’s story is rooted in a shared commitment to opening doors and investing in people,” Dr. Wilson said, reflecting on the honorees’ remarkable personal and professional journeys. “Having grown up just blocks from one another on Cleveland Avenue in Chicago, they have spent decades building distinguished careers spanning business, education, philanthropy, and civic leadership.”
The National Celebration of Joy is slated for Thursday, November 5, 2026, beginning with a dinner and formal program at 7:00 p.m. The gathering will bring together national leaders, philanthropists, youth advocates, and supporters at the historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street NW in Washington, D.C., to celebrate triumphs in child advocacy and look ahead to the future of the movement.
As the Children’s Defense Fund continues its vital work championing the rights, health, and well-being of America’s youth, the recognition of Liz and Don Thompson highlights the powerful impact that dedicated community builders and visionary leaders can have on the next generation.
