CRi’s 50th Anniversary Gala: A Night of Heart, Hope, and Generosity

Reception and Welcome

Guests were greeted at the cocktail reception with fine wine, sparkling drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. The room buzzed with laughter, handshakes, hugs, and introductions. Saleem Wayne Waters, whose music is rooted in soulful expression and authenticity, performed live during the reception, setting the perfect mood as guests mingled, posed for photos, and clinked glasses.

Once seated in the ballroom, guests were welcomed by two outstanding emcees (pictured above on the right): Aimee Cho, three-time Emmy award-winning reporter and News4 TV personality, and Ron George, CRi’s Executive Vice President of Development and Chief Administrative Officer. Their positive energy kept spirits high and the evening flowing with joy.

Ron opened with heartfelt words:

“Welcome to a night that has been a half century in the making. Everything about this evening is meaningful, from the day, the date, the location, and especially you as our guests.”

He continued:

“We are one family sharing love for ALL people, with our brother and sister organizations all over the DMV and the country.” — Ron George

Aimee then recognized the generous sponsors who made the Gala overall possible: Google Data Centers, Shrivastava Family, BWXT, Paul Gallagher, and Paula V. Bruggeman. She also thanked our table sponsors: Andrew Pariser and Carl J. Holub, Chowdhary Family and Credence, Eva Loser, Grace Community Church, and Netsmart. Glasses were raised and applause filled the room as names were read aloud.

Honoring Leaders and History

Ron reminded guests of CRi’s beginnings:

“CRi started because family members of people with disabilities wanted to bring their family members home from institutions.”

He added:

“CRi was the first to open intermediate care facilities (ICFs) and the first to open day programs for individuals who need extra support. We look for the solution, no matter the challenge – there isn’t an individual who isn’t worth it.” — Ron George

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger of Manassas joined in celebrating CRi’s five decades of service as well as Myiesha Jones and Isabella Ballesteros of Congressman James R. Walkinshaw's Office, who announced that CRi's Anniversary will be entered into the Congressional Record. 

Dining, Music, and Atmosphere

Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and desserts paired with cocktails and wine. Conversations flowed easily, punctuated by laughter, toasts, and clinking glasses. Photographers and videographers moved quietly between tables, capturing embraces, smiles, and cheers.

Later in the program, the ballroom was treated to the artistry of Tracy Hamlin, international soul jazz powerhouse, recording artist, founder of the Sweet Jazz Festival & Concert, former Board Chair of Visit Loudoun, and CEO of DMH Records. Her music brought the crowd to life. Guests swayed, tapped along, and applauded with joy as her powerful voice filled the space.

CEO Reflections

After Ron’s glowing introduction, the ballroom filled with applause as Justin Zakia, President and CEO of CRi, took the stage. Smiles, applauding, and camera flashes welcomed him warmly.

Justin reminded everyone of CRi’s mission:

“We are a community of human beings supported by some of the best people doing human services.”

He emphasized CRi’s uniqueness:

“CRi is unique in Virginia because it provides human services almost in equal measure to people with disabilities and people with mental health needs – plus housing equity for youth.”

“CRi exists to enable all of these populations to lead more fulfilling lives – we are a community of caregivers, we are all caregivers.”

“50 years of proving that people can thrive in a community setting.”

“An individual does not live alone; we live as part of a community.”

He also celebrated CRi’s growing partnerships:

“Because more people are getting to know our work, CRi is being chosen for transformational partnerships – such as with Google Datacenters.” — Justin Zakia

A special video message from Arienne Thompson Plourde, Global Engagement Lead of Community Development & Engagement at Google Data Centers, and Tamika Hawkins Adu, Chair of the CRi Foundation Board, was shared, highlighting the value of strong community and corporate partnerships.

Following the video, Arienne took the stage to expand on the message, reminding everyone:

“Everyone deserves a rich and robust life – and we think of ourselves as capacity builders.”

Stories of Impact

A touching video featured Sam Babington’s family, moving guests to both tears and applause. Andy Babington, Sam’s father shared:

“After CRi taught Sam how to feed himself, we started wondering what else is possible? Sam’s goals became reality. With CRi everything is possible.” — Andy Babington, Sam’s Dad

When the video ended, it was shared that Sam didn't like crowds. As CRi's Oak Street Program Manager, Kenneth Acheampong, brought Sam onto the stage (pictured below), the large crowd became so silent out of respect for Sam that you could almost hear a pin drop. 

Among the guests was Avery, who attended the Gala with his mother. Avery is part of one of CRi’s Day Program and is known for his outgoing personality and bright spirit. He greeted everyone with enthusiasm and excitement throughout the evening, embodying the joy, connection, and acceptance that define CRi--and creating the space for Avery to be himself. 

CRi Honors Awards

The first CRi Honors spotlighted retirees, direct service providers, caregivers, volunteers, and leaders:

• Retiree Honorees: William Rogers (31 years), JoAnna Simpson (26 years)
• DSP Honorees: James Whitaker, Desmond Ntah, Alicia Coleman, David Frimpong, Kelly Cramer, Celina Carranza
• Clinical Leadership: Lila Corey, Clinical Director (18 years)
• Family Caregiver Award: Julie Visperas
• Compassion Award: Dr. Carolyn Rudd
• Volunteer of the Year: Natasha N. Jeter

Shannon White, CRi’s Volunteer Program Manager, introduced CRi's very first Volunteer of the Year: Natasha N. Jeter. Shannon's words in introducing Natasha were heartfelt:

“Volunteers are the bookends of CRi, keeping us standing and balanced ... At CRi, volunteers give more than just their time; they commit wholeheartedly to supporting our mission and are so vital to our community.”

Natasha Jeter fittingly stands in the middle of her award. CR Foundation Board Chair Tamika Hawkins Adu holds the left bookend of the award and Justin Zakia, CRi's President & CEO holds the right bookend.

As Natasha's name was announced, the ballroom erupted in cheers. Natasha's table leapt to its feet, clapping and celebrating alongside her.

Natasha accepted the honor with grace and humility. She credited her father, Toney Jeter, for modeling a life of service for her, Natasha reflected on what volunteerism has meant in her life: “Service has shaped me, grounded me, and connected me to incredible people in ways words can’t fully capture.”

She also shared a quote that spoke to the heart of the evening:

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains immortal.” — Albert Pike

CRi Champion Cohort

The CRi Champion Cohort featured five inspiring women leaders who stepped forward to raise awareness and funds for CRi:

• Dr. Amanda Carter-Blair – Founder of CARAFAP, LLC
• Tania Hammock, LCSW, ADS – Executive VP & Chief Clinical Officer at CRi
• Cary Hatch – Founder of MDB Communications, board member of Whitman-Walker Foundation
• Tiffany Meehan – Accessibility and inclusive technology leader, board member of Loudoun Cares and The Arc of Loudoun
• Christine Plummer – Advocate and community leader

The energy in the ballroom reached a fever pitch as the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the announcement of CRi’s Champion of the Year.

When Tania Hammock was named the winner, thanks to Tom Clark's sponsorship of her campaign, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Guests jumped to their feet, cheering, whistling, and clapping as Tania made her way to the stage. Her fellow candidates embraced her warmly, underscoring the sense of unity and shared commitment that defined the cohort.

Closing Thanks

As dessert and coffee were served, the night closed with gratitude. Ron George, CRi’s Executive Vice President of Development and Chief Administrative Officer, offered the final words of the evening:

“Thank you for celebrating with us and thank you for giving generously to us so that we can give to others.”

The ballroom rang with one final round of applause, laughter, and hugs as guests said their goodbyes.

The 50th Anniversary Gala was more than a celebration. From Saleem’s music at the reception to Tracy Hamlin’s powerhouse performance, from heartfelt stories to standing ovations, the evening captured the joy, compassion, and community spirit that define CRi. Thanks to our caregivers, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, CRi is ready for the next 50 years of making possibility a reality.