Childhelp Shining Stars Gala: A Night of Hope for Vulnerable Children

On April 18, 2026, the Ritz-Carlton in McLean, Virginia, will host a special evening as the Childhelp Shining Stars Gala gathers community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates for children in need. As one of the premier events supporting Childhelp, the gala highlights the long-standing commitment of this nonprofit organization in preventing and treating child abuse across the nation.

Founded in 1959 by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp has dedicated itself to saving the lives of millions of children through its various programs, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Alice C. Tyler Village of Childhelp. This extraordinary organization's outreach has reached over 14 million children, providing crucial support for abused and neglected youth.

The gala is co-chaired by Mike Agrillo, John Heneghan, Gautam Ijoor, and Alison and Pete Santighian. Washington media personality Tommy McFly will take on the role of emcee for the night, guiding guests through an experience filled with purpose and inspiration. Chief Operating Officer, Michael Medoro, emphasizes the significance of the event: "At Childhelp, we believe every child deserves to grow up safe and loved. The Shining Stars Gala is more than a celebration. It's a powerful reminder that when communities come together, we can protect vulnerable children and give them the chance to reclaim their futures."

Attendees will be treated to a cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner that is positioned as a delightful way to engage the community while supporting a noble cause. The evening will feature a program that showcases the vital impact of Childhelp's work in changing lives. Live music will be provided by the accomplished Radio King Orchestra, ensuring an entertaining and uplifting atmosphere throughout the night.

In a continuation of the celebration, an after-party will follow the gala, headlined by renowned DC-area entertainer Prince Havely. He will be joined by talented pianist Glenn Pearson and actor John O'Hurley for a Rat Pack-style sing-along that promises to close the evening on a high note.

For Alison Santighian, attending the Shining Stars Gala for the first time was a transformative experience. "After we attended our first Shining Stars Gala, we had to keep helping. Childhelp has changed our family's lives and perspective," she stated. "This gala supports creating safe spaces to prevent abuse and treat our most vulnerable children and families."

Tickets are available for purchase, along with various sponsorship opportunities that promise to further augment the resources Childhelp can devote to changing lives. The event will also feature auction items, adding another dimension to the evening. Interested individuals can visit the official Childhelp website for more information and ticket purchases.

Childhelp stands as a pillar of hope and healing for children across the country, championing the rights of those who often go unheard. As the Shining Stars Gala approaches, it acts as a beacon of light for the ongoing struggle faced by many vulnerable children and families, demonstrating how communal efforts can create lasting change.

To learn more about Childhelp and its initiatives, visit childhelp.org. Follow them on social media to stay updated on their programs and community impact: Facebook, Instagram.