Honorary Hosts
Chairman Phil Mendelson,
Councilmembers Matt Frumin & Zachary Parker,
Mayor Anthony Williams, SBOE Rep. Allister Chang & Rep. Jacque Patterson
Ticket Levels
Co-Host: $1,000 | Friend: $500 | Guest: $150
Sponsorship Package Here
Join LGBTQ+ leaders and allies for the Wanda Alston Foundation’s Fall Reception, celebrating queer resilience and building a bold future together!
As the Foundation enters a transformative new chapter, we’re scaling and deepening our impact to meet the urgent needs of at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth. This Annual Fall Reception will feature a cocktail reception, live entertainment, inspiring speakers, and honorees.
Reception Sponsors
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DC Association of REALTORS
LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, Inc.
Matthew McClellan, JMM Strategy Group
Adam Beebe & Cary Kadlecek
Cesar Toledo & Christian Walker
Christopher Hartmann & Phil McNamara
Dr. Christine Warnke
Darrin L. Glymph, Esq.
Donnell Kearney & Jeanderson Oliveira
Kinney Zalesne
Kurt Vorndran & Martin Murray
Michael Strich & Jay Johns
Monica Ray
Ronald M. Ginsburg
Steven Roth
Tim Meinke & David Bediz
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Get ready for a fun night! A local R&B artist will keep the vibe going with live music, covering our favorite jams.
We’re also thrilled to feature two of DC’s most celebrated Drag Artists: Evry Pleasure and Mari Con Carne!
Evry Pleasure is an award-winning Puerto Rican drag queen making waves in DC's drag scene. Known for blending glamour, dance, and comedy, Evry is currently Miss DC Latinx Pride 2025 and was voted DC’s Best Drag Queen in 2023 by The Washington Blade and the DC Drag Awards.
Mari Con Carne is a history-making performer and community activist. Using their platform to not only entertain but to bring awareness to issues in our community, particularly for our POC Queer/Trans community. Mari Con Carne has been doing community work here in DC for almost ten years. She currently holds the title of 2025 DC’s Drag Queen of the Year along with past titles of 2024 Ms. DC Latinx Pride, 2024 Community Change Maker, and 2024 Best Dancing Performer. -
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Chef Peter Opare from Open Crumb, a family-run scratch kitchen in SE Anacostia, will be catering the reception.
The Black-owned restaurant will serve West African cuisine with a touch of American influence.