Anniversary Gala
Our 50th Anniversary Gala was a night to remember! With over 300 guests filling the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. We were honored to be joined by our sponsoring companies, dedicated Board of Directors, loyal donors, community partners, and numerous supporters who make our mission a reality.
Our fantastic Emcee, Jackie Layer, set the perfect tone for the evening, bringing warmth and excitement to every moment. Our Board Vice-Chair, Vicki Schmanske emphasized the importance of the night, acknowledging our generous sponsors, amazing Board members, and the organizing committees who brought this evening to life. We were even more inspired by Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of SAIC, our 50th Anniversary Mission Sponsor, shared her heartfelt support, reminding us all of the power of giving.
Our CEO, Rachna Krishnan, took us on a journey through The Center’s impactful 50-year history, dedicating the evening to the thousands who have walked through our doors seeking hope, support, and healing. The room was especially moved by a story shared by one of our clients—a mother and her teen daughter who bravely spoke about their journey through struggle and resilience, and the role The Center played in their path to healing. Their story moved many to tears and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Our Charity Auctioneer, Daniel Sanders, kept the energy high with an inspiring call to action and an exciting live auction. The night continued with more honors as Congressman Gerry Connolly presented us with a Congressional Record, and Delegate Holly Seibold presented us with a Commendation—tributes that filled us with pride and gratitude.
Our hearts are full with the love and support shown to us on this special evening. A huge thank you to our sponsors, donors, attendees, and all the volunteers and planning committee members who made this night possible. We couldn’t have done it without you—thank you for making our 50th Anniversary Gala unforgettable!
Our 2025 Annual Gala is fast approaching (November 1, 2025). Stay tuned on the latest updates HERE.
