WASHINGTON, D.C. — In November 2026, the national child advocacy organization the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host its highly anticipated gala, "A National Celebration of Joy," at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre. The landmark event is designed to honor extraordinary changemakers, champion youth advocates, and celebrate the powerful community partnerships that drive the organization’s ongoing mission to protect and advocate for the well-being of children across the United States.
As part of the evening’s festivities, the organization will present its highest honor—the newly renamed Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award—to Elizabeth “Liz” and Don Thompson. The prestigious recognition celebrates individuals, leaders, and institutions that champion forward-thinking policies, build robust community power, and strengthen programs dedicated to profoundly improving the lives of children, youth, and their families. The award is named in deep honor of CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, a legendary figure in the modern civil rights and child advocacy movements.
“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, whose lifelong dedication to children set the standard for modern advocacy. We are immensely proud to announce Elizabeth ‘Liz’ and Don Thompson as the very first individual community builders to receive this distinguished award.”
A Legacy of Philanthropy, Business Leadership, and Community Building
The selection of Liz and Don Thompson marks a historic moment for the Children’s Defense Fund, as they become the first individual community builders to receive the newly named honor. The married couple has cultivated an extraordinary, decades-long legacy defined by impactful philanthropy, corporate leadership, civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to opening doors for future generations.
Together, the Thompsons co-founded The CAFE Group, a prominent national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering education leaders through strategic funding, collaborative networks, and comprehensive leadership development programs. In addition to their philanthropic work in education, they founded Cleveland Avenue, a Chicago-based investment firm that focuses on supporting innovative entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Liz Thompson brings more than three decades of extensive nonprofit and educational leadership experience to her current role as CEO and Board Chair of The CAFE Group. Throughout her career, she has consistently championed initiatives aimed at elevating educational standards, empowering educators, and ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Don Thompson serves as Founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, bringing with him a distinguished global business career that includes historic leadership roles. Most notably, Don Thompson previously led McDonald’s Corporation, serving as one of the first African American Chief Executive Officers of a Fortune 500 company. Throughout his corporate and entrepreneurial career, he has consistently emphasized the importance of investing in people, creating meaningful economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable community growth.
Dr. Wilson commended the Thompsons for their exceptional philanthropic and business leadership, highlighting their shared, lifelong focus on creating tangible opportunities and helping communities drive lasting, systemic change from the ground up.
“Liz and Don’s story is rooted in a shared commitment to opening doors and investing in people,” Dr. Wilson noted. “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, never forgetting the communities that shaped them.”
Event Details and Background
The upcoming gala promises to be a memorable gathering of national leaders, activists, philanthropists, and youth advocates. The event will take place at the historic Howard Theatre, a cultural landmark in the nation’s capital known for hosting legendary performers and historic community gatherings.
What: National Celebration of Joy
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 — Dinner and Program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Historic Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
The Children’s Defense Fund, established decades ago under the visionary guidance of Marian Wright Edelman, continues to serve as a leading voice for children in the United States. By holding its National Celebration of Joy gala, the organization aims to spotlight the vital intersection of community building, education, and advocacy, ensuring that the needs of children remain at the forefront of national conversation and policy action.
For more information regarding the event, media credentials, or sponsorship opportunities, media outlets and interested parties 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 regarding the gala and the ongoing work of the Children’s Defense Fund can also be found directly on the official Children’s Defense Fund website.
