Join us on Saturday, May 2 for Bread for the City’s 2026 Annual Gala.

An inspiring evening awaits as we bring to life the heart of social work at Bread for the City, addressing the social determinants of health in Washington, DC. You’ll see what it truly means to serve as a social worker, counselor, or care manager in a community where systems often fall short. With your partnership, we meet people where they are—providing honest, creative, and trauma-informed care grounded in the realities that shape health, housing, and well-being.

This community gathering will uplift Bread for the City’s Social Services Program and its holistic model of care rooted in dignity, creativity, and action. We don’t send clients on fruitless searches for help that doesn’t exist. Instead, we build practical solutions, forge strong partnerships, and advocate for systems that give every family a fair chance to shape their future.

An Evening of Insight and Impact.

We’re trying something new for our program this year! Hear from experts and individuals with lived experience in a dynamic panel discussion on how wraparound services—from behavioral health care to guaranteed income—are reshaping what effective, compassionate support looks like. Learn more about the voices behind this conversation.

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MODERATOR
Marla M. Dean, Ed.D.

Nationally recognized leader and skilled facilitator with over 30 years of experience in education and health equity, currently serving as Senior Director of the Health Equity Fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation.

PANELISTS
André M. Perry, Ph.D.

Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution and Director of the Center for Community Uplift; Dr. Perry is a leading national voice on race, structural inequality and economic inclusion, and author of Black Power Scorecard and Know Your Price.

Brittany Pope, LISW

Economic Security Supervisor at Bread for the City, Pope leads guaranteed income initiatives and programs advancing guaranteed income and policy change in the District to strengthen financial stability for our community.

Eugene Sims

Military veteran and former Smithsonian photographer of 21 years, is currently pursuing Peer Support Specialist certification, 35 months into his recovery journey. As a Bread for the City client, Sims offers a powerful firsthand perspective on the path from recovery to economic stability.

Event Details:

Saturday, May 2, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Capital Turnaround
700 M St, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Be part of a powerful evening that celebrates community, advances equity, and fuels meaningful change.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

We hope to see you there! For questions, please contact: communications@breadforthecity.org.