The celebration marked a milestone and advanced the vision of working together to see a healthy, housed, and hopeful Washington DC
WASHINGTON, DC, October 9, 2025 – Community of Hope’s 2025 Night of Hope was a milestone celebration recognizing 45 years of impact. On October 3, 2025, 364 guests gathered at The InterContinental-The Wharf to honor the dedicated work of Community of Hope. Together, the sponsors and attendees raised a record-breaking $600,000 to advance the mission to improve health, end homelessness, and partner with communities for a more equitable Washington, DC.
The evening carried special significance as Adrianna Hopkins, award-winning journalist and Director of Ceremonies, shared a congratulations from Mayor Muriel Bowser, honoring Community of Hope’s four and a half decades of service. April Simpkins, a recent Community of Hope Rapid Re-housing client a moving speech that resonated deeply—challenging the audience to be hope into action for families across the District. Led by Dr. Paula and L. Dijon Anderson and Denise and Geoff Eaton, the host committee brought guests and innovation. At a pre-event award reception, the organization honored Vernon Oakes for his 40 years of dedication to the work.
During the Give Hope Moment, led by L. Dijon Anderson, attendees rose to the challenge, unlocking a $150,000 match and securing critical resources for housing, maternal and child health, primary care, and wraparound services.
“I am grateful for every member of our community who shows up to advance Community of Hope’s mission – staff, board, host committee, donors and volunteers,” said Kelly Sweeney McShane, President and CEO. “We remain committed to our vision of a DC where everyone is healthy, everyone is housed, and everyone is hopeful.”
This anniversary year’s theme centered on celebrating the impact achieved and the work ahead. Guests explored the Living History Exhibit, featuring stories, artifacts, and milestones from Community of Hope’s journey and honored the thousands of families housed and patients cared for since 1980, while envisioning new steps toward equity for all DC residents.
A special thank you to the sponsors who made the night possible, and continue to invest in this important work:
Stabilizers: Centene Corporation, Fidelis Care of New Jersey
Activators: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Latham and Watkins, McAllister & Quinn; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom LLP; VytlOne
Energizers: City First Bank; Horning Management; Labcorp; Lockton Companies; Sibley Memorial Hospital; Simpson, Thacher, and Bartlett
Mobilizers: AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia; Health Services for Children with Special Needs;National Cooperative Bank; SB and Company; The Van de Water Family; UnitedHealthcare Community Healthplan; USI Insurance; Wellpoint District of Columbia
Influencers: Commercial Real Estate Advisors; Tom and Elissa Davidson; MedStar Family Choice Plan; Palm Facility Services; Pontius Tax Law PLLC; Red River; State Farm – Ray Mensah; State Farm – Tawana Mensah; Visionary Eye Doctors, WC Smith
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About Community of Hope
Founded in 1980, Community of Hope is a rapidly growing, innovative, and mission-driven nonprofit. Our team of over 400 caring, dedicated staff members provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services to make Washington, DC more equitable. We operate three community health centers that provide medical, dental, and emotional wellness as well as extensive patient support services which reached 15,716 people in 2024. We also work to end and prevent family homelessness in Washington, DC and are unique in providing all services along the homelessness continuum, having impacted 1,386 families and 220 individuals in 2024.
