The DowntownDC Foundation’s annual Toast to DowntownDC celebration since 2019 has served as an annual occasion to build awareness, celebrate shared achievements, and raise funding to support new programs into the future for DowntownDC. This year’s event, held on Wednesday, September 17 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, marked a meaningful milestone as the organization introduced the inaugural DowntownDC Foundation Impact Awards. These awards honor individuals and organizations whose work has significantly advanced the Foundation’s mission to serve and celebrate the DowntownDC community.
At this year’s Toast event, a diverse and dedicated group of powerful changemakers, building and business owners, developers, and community advocates began their evening by being welcomed to the library’s rooftop event space by DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan. Foundation Chair of the Board of Directors Gigi Murphy acknowledged the generosity of the night’s sponsors and the growing impact of the Foundation’s work.
“We are the hyperlocal charity dedicated to this community,” said Rachel Rose Hartman, Executive Director of the DowntownDC Foundation. “The fact I get to be part of the catalyst for positive advancement in the District is a privilege and an honor every day. The crowd here tonight is impressive, and I love to see it. Because at a time when there is so much divisiveness in the country, I’m so honored to be part of some positive things we all share here tonight. I know we love for this city, hope for our shared success, and hold compassion for other people.”
The Foundation’s work includes life-saving services and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Downtown Day Services Center and throughout the BID, improvements and enhancements to public space, including Franklin Park and additional green spaces in downtown, support for community events such as the DowntownDC Holiday Market, Kids World, Jazz and Blossoms, and public art, infrastructure improvements, pedestrian safety and more.
The Foundation’s inaugural Impact Award winners were chosen for their advancement of that work and the organization’s mission. They are:
- Mayor Muriel Bowser — Honored for her administration’s leadership and investment since the Foundation’s launch in 2019. Mayor Bowser’s support enabled key initiatives including the opening and operation of the Downtown Day Services Center and the renovation of Franklin Park as well as strategic investment throughout DowntownDC. Her commitment to a vibrant, equitable, and welcoming DowntownDC exemplified the spirit of this award.
- Monumental Sports & Entertainment — Recognized for its strategic and sustained investment in DowntownDC. Their support includes funding through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation for the first Facility Manager at the Downtown Day Services Center and sponsoring hydration efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness. And Monumental Sports’ investment and partnership in youth programming like the 2024 Holiday Skate Spectacular, this summer’s Wizards 3v3 tournament and other public programming initiatives throughout DowntownDC. Monumental’s civic partnership reflected a deep commitment to neighborhood vitality.
- Matthew & Laura Klein — Celebrated for their steadfast support of the DowntownDC Foundation and its mission. Their contributions include personal support for individuals experiencing homelessness from the Foundation’s earliest days, leadership from Matthew in partnership
- Arlo Washington DC — Honored for their proactive engagement with the DowntownDC community even before opening its doors in November 2024. Arlo supported facility upgrades at the Downtown Day Services Center—including ADA-accessible computer desks and a new Welcome Desk sign—volunteered to serve meals, and collaborated on events and public art. Their commitment to neighborhood well-being and community partnership reflected the values at the core of the Foundation’s mission.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, the Foundation raised more than $76,000, exceeding its fundraising goal and directly supporting initiatives that expand homeless services, revitalize parks, and enhance public spaces and experiences.
In fiscal year 2024, the DowntownDC Foundation grew its impact through its support of 21,064 individuals served at the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC), the 26,000 lunches provided at the DDSC, the 850 overnight and hygiene kits distributed, and the more than 589,300 annual visitors to Franklin Park.
The Foundation extends sincere thanks to our sponsors: Ann B. and Thomas Friedman, Amazon, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and Gilbane Building Company; as well as sponsorships from the following: Gigi & Bob Murphy, Rafael Etzion, Planet Word, Sandy Spring Bank / Atlantic Union Bank, Akridge, Sean Cahill, Gensler, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Pipkin Creative.
📸 We’ve rounded up some of our favorite snapshots from this exclusive evening. Access our full gallery here: https://bit.ly/Toast2025
The DowntownDC Foundation is a registered 501c3 non-profit that was launched in 2019 to create a vehicle for philanthropic investment and enhance public-private partnerships in the DowntownDC community. To learn more about the organization or to contribute, visit www.downtowndcfoundation.org.
