Impact Stories

Raise the Region

2025 Raise the Region Gala

April 30, 2025
2025 RTR Banner CFNOVA

Friday, October 17, 2025

Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

6:30 - 10:00 pm | 8:30 pm Hybrid Program
2024 Gala

Honoring Warren Thompson of Thompson Hospitality with the 2025 Community Leadership Award


Black ⧓ Tie | Cocktail Reception | Seated Dinner | Silent & Live Auctions
Join the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia on Friday, October 17th at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for the 2025 Raise the Region Gala.

This event attracts hundreds of regional business, philanthropic and community leaders and supports the Community Foundation’s ability to advance equity through philanthropy and community leadership across the region. Held in the fall, it features the presentation of the Community Leadership Award for outstanding service and commitment to Northern Virginia, the longest-standing award of its kind. It includes a one-of-a-kind auction and opportunities to engage and connect with our community.

An unforgettable night building a Northern Virginia that works for everyone.

JOIN US! Sponsorship Package Overview TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS SUPPORT THE AUCTION

About the 2025 Community Leadership Award Honoree


A pillar of the Gala celebration each year is the Community Leadership Award, presented annually for outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians. This year’s award will be presented to Warren M. Thompson, President & Chairman of Thompson Hospitality.

In addition to being one of the 10 largest food service and facilities management companies in the U.S. Thompson Hospitality owns and operates a portfolio of more than 65 restaurants, across some 17 different brands. From the Company’s founding in 1992 with revenues of $34M, Warren has grown Thompson Hospitality into a one-billion-dollar enterprise operating across 45 states and six countries — all while maintaining a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and opportunity for all.

Warren’s impact extends far beyond business. Through long-standing support for HBCUs, active civic leadership, and a focus on elevating underserved communities, he exemplifies the spirit of community philanthropy. His work has strengthened lives and institutions throughout Northern Virginia, and we are proud to celebrate his lasting legacy of service.

READ WARREN'S FULL BIO

2025 Raise the Region Gala Sponsors

A special thanks to the following supporters helping make this event possible.  Join us!

Presenting Sponsor

Thompson Hospitality


Community Leadership Sponsor

John and Nina Toups Charitable Fund

Auction Sponsor

Truist Wealth


Resilience Sponsor

Lou and Wendy Brown

Empowerment Sponsors

Anthony Chang, Silverline Equities
Robert and Pamela Kipps
KME.digital
McGuireWoods LLP

Impact Sponsors

KippsDeSanto & Co.
NOVA Parks
Meera and Shankar Pillai
Amy Wells Mackay, Truist Wealth

Engagement Sponsors

Kevin P. DeSanto, KippsDeSanto & Co.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority


Media Partners

InsideNova
We're Good Podcast

Print Partner

Grassroot Communication

Wine Partner

Walsh Family Wine

Additional Contributions

Interstate Group Holdings, Inc.

Individual tickets are $500. Sponsorships start at $1,250 and include visibility throughout the year and during the event.
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS
Questions: Contact Tara Nadel, Chief Marketing Officer, at 703-879-7637 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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“We are Northern Virginia” Hundreds Gather at the Community Foundation’s Raise the Region Gala

October 24, 2024

Fairfax, VA (October 24, 2024) – The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2024 Raise the Region Gala, held on October 18, gathered hundreds of supporters to celebrate the power of local philanthropy. The evening featured a silent auction, a dinner program, and a live auction led by Antiques Roadshow’s Matt Quinn of Quinn’s Auction Galleries. This year’s gala emphasized the transformative impact of charitable giving in the region.

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Let's Show the World - 2024 Raise the Region Gala

October 21, 2024
Dear Community Foundation friends, supporters, and partners,

Last Friday night, I had the privilege of attending my first Raise the Region Gala as President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. I woke up this morning feeling both overjoyed by the celebration of philanthropy and deeply inspired by your contributions supporting the Northern Virginia community we all cherish.

The event was a resounding success, with hundreds of guests joining us both in-person and online. Wherever you were, your support was felt, helping us raise more than $730,000 to address the changing needs of our region. We couldn’t have done it without your incredible generosity and commitment.

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A Year of Reflection: Community Leadership Award

October 1, 2024

The Community Foundation’s Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Events, Amanda Bomfim, recently spoke with Sumeet Shrivastava, President and CEO of Unissant, about his recognition as the 2023 Community Leadership Award honoree. Sumeet possesses great humility and grace; indeed, when he learned he would be the 2023 Raise the Region Gala’s honoree, he was blown away. “It’s not something you expect,” he told Amanda.

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Celebrate Local Philanthropy at Raise the Region Gala: Support a Thriving Northern Virginia

September 24, 2024

Fairfax, VA (September 24, 2024) – The 2024 Raise the Region Gala, hosted by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, is scheduled for Friday, October 18 at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner. This black-tie affair welcomes hundreds of Northern Virginia’s leaders in business, philanthropic, public, and civic sectors. The purpose of the Gala is to celebrate the impact of local charitable giving and empower the vision of the Foundation which is to build a community that works for everyone.

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Thank You for Supporting the 2023 Raise the Region Gala!

October 13, 2023
Dear Community Foundation Friends and Supporters,

Last Friday evening we came together for the Community Foundation’s 2023 Raise the Region Gala to celebrate our home, Northern Virginia, and the change-makers in it who never fail to help meet the region’s challenges and expand its opportunities. Our theme for the event was renewal, as every community, and everything in it, must be continuously renewed and reimagined.

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A Message from President and CEO Eileen Ellsworth on the 2022 Raise the Region Gala

October 11, 2022
Dear Community Foundation Friends and Supporters,

Last Friday evening, we gathered for the first time in 3 years to celebrate our region’s resilience, success, and growing sense of home and place. As always, your support literally helped Raise the Region!

More than 500 guests joined us in person and another 100 tuned in to the virtual live stream. It was an incredibly heartening reunion and opportunity to celebrate the ties that bind us all together. Your support and generosity were unprecedented. The event raised a total of $650,000, which will help the Community Foundation build a community that works for everyone. 

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Sponsor's Voice: Peraton's Theory of Building Community

September 28, 2022
Corporate and individual sponsorships are a critical tool for the Community Foundation to lead and convene the community. One of our 2022 Raise the Region Gala sponsors is Peraton, a tech and cybersecurity firm based in Herndon, Virginia. Peraton have experienced a meteoric rise since their founding in 2017, and were expected to be worth $5 billion dollars in 2021. We spoke with Stefanie Hale, Corporate Citizenship lead, about what community building means to Peraton.

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Philanthropist Karen Schaufeld Chosen As 2021 Community Leadership Honoree

October 14, 2021
Philanthropist, author, entrepreneur, and lawyer Karen Schaufeld has been named Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2021 Community Leadership Honoree. The Community Leadership Award is given each year to an individual who is a demonstrated leader with a long history of commitment to supporting the Northern Virginia region through volunteer and community service and charitable giving.

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Fundraising Record for Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2021 Raise the Region

October 14, 2021
A record fundraising total of more than $500,000 was raised during Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2021 Raise the Region, an annual, mission-critical fundraiser for the Community Foundation.

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Community Foundation Hosts First-Ever Virtual Gala

October 7, 2020
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia hosted its first virtual Raise the Region Gala on Friday, October 2, 2020. Business, philanthropic, and community leaders joined us from their own homes across the region and the nation to take part in this live-streamed event.

Hosted by NBC4’s Leon Harris, 2020 Raise the Region gala is an annual mission-critical fundraiser that enables the Community Foundation to respond to need, seed innovation, and lead and convene the community. The theme for this year’s event was Building a Community that Works for Everyone.

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2024 Raise the Region Gala

September 4, 2020

2022 RTR BannerFriday, October 18, 2024

LET'S SHOW THE WORLD!


Thanks for Joining Us!

The 2024 Raise the Region Gala was a resounding success, with hundreds of guests joining us both in-person and online, helping to raise more than $730,000 to address the changing needs of the Northern Virginia region. It was a celebration of the strength of our region to come together and the power of philanthropy to make Northern Virginia stronger.

Congratulations to Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine, recipient of the 2024 Community Leadership Award. Enjoy the tribute video, above, a testament to Kristina’s impact and leadership throughout the region, and a video, below, highlighting the work and impact of the Community Foundation as a broad-based funder across the region.

During the excitement of the evening’s festivities, the Community Foundation announced a milestone marker - over $100 million in funding awarded to nonprofit organizations since our inception in 1978. Whether you are a donor, professional advisor, government leader, entrepreneur, nonprofit organization, we all have a part to play in strengthening our local communities. THANK YOU!

Thank you for helping to build a community that works for everyone. 
VIEW THE GALA PROGRAM     Event Photos - PW: 4631     PHOTO BOOTH - PW: 59568

About the 2024 Community Leadership Award Honoree

A pillar of the Gala celebration each year is the Community Leadership Award, presented annually for outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians. This year’s award will be presented to Kristina Bouweiri, President & CEO of Reston Limousine, the largest luxury transportation provider in the Washington DC area.

With over 230 vehicles and 335 employees, her innovative strategies drive growth. Committed to philanthropy, she has facilitated more than $1.5 million in donated transportation to charities. As a board member of influential organizations like Enterprising Woman Magazine, she empowers women entrepreneurs. Her global perspective, born from living in Japan, Brazil, and other countries, enriches her leadership. A graduate of George Washington University, she speaks multiple languages and champions education and children’s welfare initiatives. Kristina's legacy embodies entrepreneurial success, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Read Kristina's Full Bio

2024 Raise the Region Gala Sponsors

 

Challenge Sponsor

K. Paul Singh and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Board of Directors

Community Leadership Sponsors

Claude Moore Charitable Foundation
John and Nina Troups Charitable Fund

Auction Sponsor

Truist Wealth

Program Sponsor

Reston Limousine, Kristina Bouweiri

Community Resilience Sponsors

Scott A. and Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation
The Shrivastava Family

Centerpiece Sponsor

Monument Wealth Management

Photo Engagement Sponsor

Washington Gas

Sweet Send-off Sponsor

Georgetown Cupcakes

Media Partner

InsideNova

Print Partner

Grassroot Communication


Video Partner

Striking Media

Wine Partner

Walsh Family Wines

Community Empowerment Sponsors

Avison Young
Bank of America
BCT - The Community's Bank
Lou and Wendy Brown
Credence Management Solutions LLC
Inova
Robert and Pamela Kipps
Paul and Julia Leslie
Helaine Weissman / PBMares, LLP and Mike Benoudiz

Community Impact Sponsors

Capitol Financial Consultants/ Josh Stillman
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Cherry Bekaert
Frances Craig
Dominion Energy
Eileen Ellsworth and Cathy Lange
Employment Enterprises, Inc.
George Mason University's Costello College of Business
Goldman Sachs
Loren and Birgit Hershey
Hilton Global Foundation
Holland & Knight
Immigrant Businesswomen Circle
Cheryl Janey and Michael Calhoun
KippsDeSanto & Co.
KiwiTech / Anita Gupta
Mason Investment Advisory Services
NOVA Parks
Odin, Feldman & Pittleman P.C.
Meera and Shankar Pillai
Telos
UVA Health

 

Community Giving Sponsors

BrandMirror
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
George Mason University Foundation
Insurance Office of America, Inc
Interstate Relocation Services
Jason Howell Company
KME.digital
Linder Global Events
Amy Wells Mackay
Micron
Modera Wealth Management, LLC
NOVA Foundation

Additional Support Provided By

The 123 Club
The Blackthorn Foundation
David and Amy Bosserman Charitable Fund
DBI, GF Architects
Robert Eisiminger
Fredrick D. and Karen G. Schaufeld Family Foundation
JFH Strategies
Larry and Eileen Kugler
McCandlish Lillard
The Reynolds Family Charitable Fund
Ann Summerson
Jim and Elaine Tholen
Washington Workplace
William Glenn Yarborough, Jr.
Questions: Contact Tara Nadel, Vice President of Marketing and Events at 703-879-7637 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Honors Maj. Gen. Carl H. McNair, Jr. (RET) with the 2019 Community Leadership Award

October 14, 2019

Annual Gala Raises $570,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region

(Oakton, VA) – Major General Carl H. McNair, Jr. (RET) of Springfield, Virginia has been awarded the 2019 Community Leadership Award presented by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. General McNair was recognized for his lifetime of community leadership, public service, and philanthropy during 2019 Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

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2019 Raise the Region Gala Results

October 14, 2019
Dear Community Foundation Friends and Supporters,

It was pure joy celebrating home and place with you at the Community Foundation’s 2019 Raise the Region Gala on Friday, October 4th. Thank you for coming, for supporting our work, and for helping us honor Major General Carl McNair (RET) with the 2019 Community Leadership Award.

The event raised $570,000, which beat our expectations. It was a terrific outcome made possible by the dedication and hard work of the Community Foundation’s Board, staff, our amazing event honoree Carl, an army of caring volunteers and auction donors, a tireless Gala Committee, Gala Chair Ki Ho Kang, and the generosity of our many wonderful sponsors and supporters listed here.

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The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Honors Ellen and Jim Dyke with the 2018 Community Leadership Award & Celebrates 40th Anniversary

October 10, 2018

Annual Gala Raised $636,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region

Ellen and Jim Dyke were recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their history of passionate leadership and philanthropy with the 2018 Community Leadership Award at the Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

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Serving as a Gala Volunteer: Deborah Krat

October 14, 2017
This interview is with Deborah Krat, Community Foundation Gala volunteer.

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Honoring Mark and Brenda Moore with Community Leadership Award

October 10, 2017

Annual Gala Raised Over $530,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region

Mark A. and Brenda L. Moore of the Mark and Brenda Moore Family Foundation were recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their history of passionate leadership and philanthropy with the 2017 Community Leadership Award at the Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

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John and Virginia Chapel Support Philanthropic Efforts

September 25, 2017
ChapelsThis is an interview with John and Virginia Chapel with the Chapel Family Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation. This fund provides direct grants to nonprofits and other programs benefiting child and youth development, poverty relief, health and aging, military personnel and their families, and community improvement. The Chapels are the 2017 Raise the Region Gala Challenge Sponsor, and are long-time supporters of the Gala.

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Community Foundation Honors Knox Singleton of Inova Health Systems with the 2016 Community Leadership Award

October 11, 2016

Annual Gala Raises Unprecedented $544,000 to Raise the Northern Virginia Region

J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, was recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award. The longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, it was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Raise the Region Gala on October 7, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

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Foundation Honors Jim Wordsworth with Community Leadership Award

October 14, 2015

2015 Sweet Home Virginia Gala Raises $482,000, Engages Hundreds of Donors 

Jim Wordsworth of J.R.’s Goodtimes Inc. has been recognized with the 2015 Community Leadership Award by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.  The Community Leadership Award is the most prestigious, longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, and was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala on October 9, 2015 at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

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