2026 Together We Rise Gala: Celebrating Connection, Community, and Care

2026 Together We Rise Gala: Celebrating Connection, Community, and Care

May 11, 2026

**On Saturday, May 2, hundreds of supporters, partners, advocates, and community members gathered at Capital Turnaround for Together We Rise, Bread for the City’s gala celebration.**

Together, we exceeded our $1.5 million goal and raised more than $1.751 million to help provide the care and services our neighbors need to thrive. The evening was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community comes together in support of dignity, care, and opportunity for all Washingtonians.

Hosted by the dynamic Britt Waters of WJLA-TV and the Washington Wizards, the night brought together meaningful conversation, joyful celebration, and extraordinary generosity in support of Bread for the City’s mission and wraparound services.

We were honored to celebrate George A. Jones, our CEO, for his 30 years of extraordinary service and leadership at Bread for the City and throughout the community. You can view the video dedicated to him here.

We also recognized the dedication and commitment of our outgoing Board President, Jon Fee, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing our fundraising and advocacy efforts.

A highlight of the evening was an engaging panel discussion exploring what it means to move from barriers to breakthroughs. Through a powerful conversation grounded in lived experience and professional expertise, André Perry, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, served as national subject matter expert and moderator.

BFC’s staff panelist, Brittany Pope, a leader in economic security programs, reflected on the importance of whole-person care and the transformative impact compassionate, community-centered services can have on an individual’s life. Client panelist Eugene Sims shared moving and candid insights into his journey to sobriety, speaking openly about how Bread for the City has played an integral role in supporting his recovery, improving his overall health, and helping him move forward with stability and hope.

Guests also rallied together during the evening’s All in a Week’s Work paddle raise fundraiser, led by a friend of Bread for the City, Lynne Zinc.

Fueled by incredible generosity — including multiple triple-match opportunities throughout the evening — attendees helped raise critical funds to support essential services including food assistance to feed 400 families, dental care, legal advocacy, behavioral health services, workforce development services, and even diapers for the smallest ones in our community.

We further highlighted our Social Services Program through conversations with the social workers and case managers who support areas including behavioral health, care management, economic security, eviction prevention, and more. Guests had the opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with staff, and gain deeper insight into the vital work they do each day to support our neighbors and community members

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner experience catered by Spilled Milk Catering, alongside cocktails, music by Sweet Something Trio and DJ Gween, dancing, and interactive experiences including a photo booth and sketch artist that kept the celebration lively all evening long.

The excitement continued throughout the evening with a raffle that had guests rushing to enter up until the very last minute. Featuring unforgettable prizes—including a vacation getaway to Rio de Janeiro, autographed jerseys by professional athletes, escapes to Virginia and Florida, fine dining and so much more. The raffle kept the energy high all night long. Cheers and excitement filled the room as winners were announced, adding even more joy and celebration to an already unforgettable evening.

Most importantly, the evening reflected the heart of Bread for the City: a community committed to showing up for one another with compassion, dignity, and care.

A special thank you to our sponsors, and to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported this year’s gala. Your generosity helps ensure our neighbors can continue accessing the services and support they need to thrive.