On September 25th, House of Ruth celebrated the generosity and impact of our donors, foundations, and government partners at our Annual Donor Reception. During the evening, we reflected on the powerful relationships that fuel our mission and honored the individuals and organizations that make a tangible difference in the lives of the women, children, and families we serve.
It was an evening filled with inspiration and joy. The Exclusives Band had us dancing to a set of Motown classics, and program participants like Andrea shared their journeys, bringing our mission to life. We also debuted our 50th anniversary logo, ushering in a wave of excitement for our milestone year in 2026.
Thanks to this community’s incredible generosity, we raised $100,000 to sustain vital, no-cost services—service-enriched housing, child and family development, and counseling—that empower women and families to heal and rebuild their lives.
Our Annual Donor Reception is also an opportunity to honor the transformative partnerships and volunteer efforts that make a lasting impact every year. We proudly recognized the following individuals and organizations:
- Distinguished Service Award: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their commitment to our mission through philanthropy both monetary and in-kind. They donated the commerical stove to Kidspace to provide nutritious, on-site meals for children. This past fiscal year, their Bishop’s Storehouse grant provided food, kitchen staples, and household items. In 2023 and 2024, they selected House of Ruth for the Light the World Giving Machine Initiative, an international program turning vending machines into a force for good—allowing people to donate to charities instead of purchasing items.
- Distinguished Service Award: Association of American Medical Colleges for their partnership through donations, volunteerism, and resource access. Their grants have invested in the teachers and equipment at Kidspace, overnight security at housing programs, and salaries for housing staff. Their team also seeks out volunteer opportunities.
- Community Partner Award: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for their collaboration in creating a multi-generational mental and emotional health program at Kidspace. Thanks to our incredible team of MedStar clinicians, Kidspace is offering an innovative and comprehensive range of wellness services. All these services are provided by licensed clinical professionals at no cost to the families.
- Community Partner Award: College Park Speech and Language Clinic for providing speech therapy for the children at Kidspace for over 30 years. They have provided speech therapy in one-on-one sessions, classroom support, and small groups.
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society for rising to meet the needs of our program participants, such as fully funding a baby shower for an expecting mother. The ladies also generously donate financially each year.
A special thank you to our event sponsor, Hogan Lovells. For several years, they have generously sponsored this meaningful gathering. Your continued support allows us to come together and recognize the impact we are creating, together.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Event Co-Chairs and Host Committee members! Your leadership, vision, and hard work were key to the success of this year’s event. Event Co-Chairs: Lou Cardenas, James Lumalcuri, Monica Y. Brame, and Stephanie & Adam Kushner
Host Committee: Caryl S. Bernstein; Thomasine Carter; Darryl E. Christmon and Arnita Hannon Christmon; Andrew and Ellen Kentz; Diane Lewis and Julius Hobson Jr.; Patricia Massey; Char Mollison; Pamela M. Pinkett; Gina Schaefer and Marc Friedman; Julie Shroyer and David Shaw; Astrid Weigert
As we look to the future, we remain inspired by the generosity and dedication of our community. Together, we create opportunities for women, children, and families to break cycles of violence and houselessness—for them to live with safety, dignity, and hope. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We look forward to seeing you next year!
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We invite you to revisit the celebration through the moments captured in a selection of photographs.
