2026 Celebration
of the Champion for Children
Honoring Donna Cooper
Retiring Executive Director, Children First
Donna has led Children First for the last 12 years, transforming us into one of the preeminent child advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania. Having spent eight years in city government in Philadelphia, another eight years in state government in Harrisburg, and countless years fighting for improved public policies for children and families across the state, Donna’s impact is undeniable. As Donna steps back from full-time leadership at Children First, we are confident that her legacy — and her voice — will continue to shape the future. Children First remains a powerhouse of advocacy fueled by a great heart, and we know Donna will keep speaking out for the most vulnerable among us, just as she always has.
Because our 2026 celebration will be Donna’s official retirement party, we’re transforming this event into a real party with a DJ, dancing, a surprise guest or two and all the great food and drinks you’ve come to expect from us. Come party the night away and join the chorus to thank Donna and celebrate her lasting legacy.
ANNOUNCING: State Senator Vincent Hughes as our Emcee for the evening.
This will be an in-person event, on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Vie, 600 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 with free valet parking available. It’s a dance party so bringing you comfy dance shoes!
CORPORATE Sponsorships here!
INDIVIDUAL Sponsorships here!
SMALL BUSINESS Sponsorships here!
PURCHASE TICKETS here!
Special Thanks to Our Growing List of Sponsors
PRESENTING
LEADING
ADVOCATE
SUPPORTING
Black Child Development Institute (BCDI)
Brightside Academy
Comcast
Community Behavioral Health
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Foundation
Jefferson Health Plans
Pincus Family Foundation
Ridge Policy Group
Saul Ewing LLP
Strategic Nonprofit Finance
Temple Health
ALLY
Archer & Greiner PC
Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Holman
Horsey, Buckner & Heffler, LLP
Keystone First
McNeesGR
Project Home
Reinvestment Fund
INDIVIDUAL
Barbara Adams
Carolyn & Tim Adams
Adamson-Jackes Family Fund In Memory of Judy Adamson
Lindsay & Sam Albright
Majid Alsayegh
David Camp & Gwen Borowsky
Diane Castelbuono
Frank Cervone
Jolley Christman
Michael Churchill & Tasha Stonorov
David & Rhonda Cohen
Donna Cooper & Arthur Meckler
Madeline Cooper
Jim & Jan Creedon
Ted Dallas
Roy DeLaMar
Harriet Dichter & John Schapiro
Matt & Meredith Dorney
Joe Dworetzky
Margaret Glenn Estey Fund
Bill Ewing
Mary Fish
Richard & Susan Frazier
Rosemarie & Anne Greco Morrissey
Marsha & Jeff Gerdes
David & Jacqui Griffith
Steve & Barbara Gold
Mary L. Goldman
Phil & Essie Goldsmith
Mark Goldstein
Sharon Gornstein & Jeff Gelles
CHG Charitable Trust
Janet & John Haas
David Hackett
Rosemary & Jay Halt
John Hanger & Luanne Thorndyke
The Jeanne and Herbert Hansell Fund
Feather Houstoun
Renee Hughes
Lisa Kabnick & John McFadden
Chrissy Kind & Ralph Pomponi
Sam Katz
Victor Keen & Jeanne Ruddy
Adrian & Caroline King
Ken & Eve Klothen
David Laigaie & CarolAnn Hoopes
Carol F. Lee & David J. Seipp
Charisse Lillie
Elaine Lindy & Lon Palitz
Jackie & Trevor Linton
Nancy Lucas
Ed Mahlman & Moya Kinnealey
Marrazzo Family Foundation
Barbara Mattleman & Dean Kaplan
Joanne & Ray McFall
The Leslie Miller & Richard Worley Foundation
Kathleen Noonan & Jonathan Lipson
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek & Jeff Pasek
Carol Pate & John Melvin
Vicki Phillips
Heidi Ramirez
Brian, Soozung & Robert Rankin
Edward G. Rendell
Ian Rosenblum
Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley
Donald Schwarz
Scott Family Fund
Stephen & Patty Segal
Kate Shaw
Frances Sheehan & Ricardo Gelman
Sandi Slap
Darren Smith & Jamie Ware
Tracey & Shanin Specter
John & Jane Summers
The Marni Sweet Fund
Teresa Ward Maupin
Pat West & Tom Vernon
Ken & Judy Weinstein
Robin Weissmann & Ken Jarin
Constance & Sankey Williams
Wendy C. Wolf Charitable Fund
Bob Victor & Lexa Edsall