Thank you to the 400 changemakers and community builders who joined us for the 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy! It was truly an unforgettable night honoring Monumental Sports & Entertainment with the 2026 Spirit of Philanthropy Award.

Guests gathered at The LINE DC to celebrate the donors and partners who have been instrumental in shaping our region's philanthropic journey. The evening featured live performances, gourmet food stations, and joyful connection with some of the national capital region's most passionate advocates for community change.

Where the power of sports meets the spirit of philanthropy.

2026 Spirit of Philanthropy Honoree:

We are thrilled to honor Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) with the 2026 Spirit of Philanthropy Award. Standing at the forefront of American sports and entertainment, MSE unites world-class teams, iconic venues, and unforgettable experiences under one brand. Based in Washington, DC, MSE is renowned for its integrated approach to sports, media, and live events and is widely recognized as one of the most influential and innovative organizations in its industry.

Founded with a vision to elevate the fan experience, MSE owns and operates several major professional sports franchises, including the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Mystics (WNBA), and Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League affiliate), along with their own media platform, Monumental Sports Network, that extends their reach across the region and beyond.

What truly distinguishes Monumental is its deep commitment to community impact alongside athletic excellence. Through the work of the MSE, its Foundation, its teams and the Leonsis family, the organization responds to evolving community needs—investing youth development, expanding access to sports and entertainment, and mobilizing resources in moments of urgency. In recent seasons, MSE has directed tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic support across the Washington region, reflecting a sustained and growing commitment to meaningful change.

Most recently, following the DCA tragedy on January 29, 2025, MSE's Legacy on Ice program raised more than $1.3 million to provide critical support to affected families and first responders, through partnerships with The Community Foundation and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.

This year, we are recognizing Monumental Sports & Entertainment for their leadership, their generosity, and their profound ties to the community. Their partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to inspire, unite, and uplift—and in the responsibility to use that platform to strengthen the region we all call home.

Innovator

  • England Family Foundation

  • Gates Foundation

  • Karen and Ethan Leder

  • Sean Morris and Michelle Althius

  • Marc Rosenbaum and Lyn Ingersoll

  • Sterling Speirn and Diana Aviv

  • Sussman Licht Family Fund

  • Elizabeth Taylor and David DeBruin

  • William and Susan Taylor

  • Washington Gas

Decker Anstrom
and Sherry Hiemstra

Benefactors

Leaders

  • Meyer Foundation

  • PNC Bank

  • SEI

Partners

Supporters

Thank you to our Event Sponsors and Community Champions!

  • Bainum Family Foundation

  • BDO USA, LLP

  • Capital One Bank

  • Kathleen M. Conley

Past Civic Spirit Award Honorees:

  • Former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush

  • The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation

  • A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation

  • Carol Thompson Cole

  • Terri Freeman

  • Lynne and Joe Horning and the Horning Family Fund

  • Alexine Clement Jackson

  • Robert Linowes

  • J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr.

  • Mario Morino

  • Alex Orfinger

  • Vicki & Roger Sant

  • Richard W. Snowdon, III

  • Patty Stonesifer and Martha’s Table

  • Robert G. Templin, Jr.

  • Anthony Williams

Carol Thompson Cole, 2018 Civic Spirit Award Recipient, and Patty Stonesifer, 2017 Civic Spirit Award Recipient, at the 2018 Celebration of Philanthropy.