2026 Celebration of the Champion for Children
Honoring Donna Cooper, Retiring Executive Director, Children First

On the evening of Friday, May 1, 2026, Children First will celebrate the extraordinary life and times of our retiring Executive Director, Donna Cooper and honor her as the 2026 Champion for Children.

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.

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

Community Behavioral Health
Independence Blue Cross
Strategic Nonprofit Finance

ALLY

Archer & Greiner PC
Saul Ewing

INDIVIDUAL

Lindsay & Sam Albright
David Camp & Gwen Borowsky
David & Rhonda Cohen
Jolley Christman
Roy DeLaMar
Harriet Dichter & John Schapiro
Joe Dworetzky
Margaret Glenn Estey Fund
Mary Fish
Richard & Susan Frazier
Rosemarie & Anne Greco Morrissey
David & Jacqui Griffith
Mark & Judi Goldstein
Sharon Gornstein & Jeff Gelles
CHG Charitable Trust
Janet & John Haas
Rosemary & Jay Halt
John Hanger & Luanne Thorndyke
Adrian & Caroline King
Carol F. Lee & David J. Seipp
Kathleen Noonan & Jonathan Lipson
Nancy Lucas
Jeff and Kathy Hirsh Pasek
Barbara Mattleman & Dean Kaplan
Carol Pate & John Melvin
Heidi Ramirez
Brian, Soozung & Robert Rankin
Ian Rosenblum
Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley
Teresa Ward Maupin
Pat West & Tom Vernon
Bob Victor & Lexa Edsall