Celebrating the Power of Sports, Philanthropy, and Community
From Left to Right: Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation, Seán Morris, Board Chair of The Community Foundation, LaKeisha Roberts, Vice President of Booking, Monumental Sports, Coach Kenneth Blakeney, Howard University Men’s Basketball
“Thriving communities are built through human connection” – Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation
On May 28, the Greater Washington Community Foundation welcomed 400 changemakers and community builders from across the region to the LINE DC Hotel for its 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy.
The event honored Monumental Sports and Entertainment with the 2026 Spirit of Philanthropy Award and celebrated the intersectionality of the power of sports and the power of philanthropy.
The program began with an introduction from Emcee, Alexa Landestoy, the Host of Capitals Coverage on Monumental Sports Network
“When there is a need in this region, this is the organization that goes to work,” Alexa shared. “Mobilizing resources and partnering with nonprofits to make sure help reaches the people who need it most.”
She was followed by remarks from The Community Foundation’s President & CEO, Tonia Wellons who recognized the outstanding commitment and generosity of this region’s philanthropic community in the face of what has been a challenging year for the nonprofit sector and the region, at large.
Reflecting on a year defined by federal funding cuts, a shrinking federal workforce, and uncertainty across the nonprofit sector and the region, Tonia pointed to the power of community: “Even in our darkest moments, there are people who continue to work quietly behind the scenes, and boldly out front in the community — and people who are supporting those people — to sustain, re-envision, and rebuild.”
“While philanthropy cannot do this work alone, we can work with community on a vision for our collective future — investing strategically toward shared goals, convening like-minded partners, and advocating with everything we have, for justice."
Tonia recognized The Community Foundation’s fundholders, who stepped up to help The Community Foundation disburse $130 million in philanthropic capital. The investment represents one of the highest annual disbursements of charitable grant dollars in the organization’s history - with 78 percent of those funds being invested directly into organizations and causes serving the Greater Washington region.
Tonia also referenced the organization’s Community Resilience Initiative, which mobilized over $14 million this past year to support nonprofits and advocate for the sector and the communities we serve.
“How we show up for this region is a direct reflection of who we are. We have a responsibility to ensure that the resources under our control are deployed with intention, with urgency, and with the communities we serve at the center.”
Looking ahead, Tonia expressed her hope for the future of our region. “I have full faith that the lawyers and policy wonks, the artists and activists, the developers and bankers, the people born here and the people who chose to come here — will lean in together to fix broken systems and build something better.”
She closed with a challenge to everyone in the room: “Let us all bring forth that same energy — that same pride, that same conviction of being all on the same team — to the work of building our community.”
Tonia then introduced Howard University Men’s Basketball Coach Kenneth Blakeney, who presented the 2026 Spirit of Philanthropy Award to Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
“For many people, Monumental may be known through the teams, the arenas, or the headlines,” Coach Blakeney shared. “But tonight is really about something much bigger. It’s about what happens when an organization understands that sports are not just entertainment — they are a platform for impact.”
What distinguishes Monumental is its deep commitment to community impact alongside athletic excellence. Through the work of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, its Foundation, its teams, and the Leonsis family, the organization has directed tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic support across the Washington region — investing in youth development, expanding access to sports and entertainment, and mobilizing resources in moments of urgency.
That commitment was on full display following the tragic midair collision near DCA which claimed the lives of 67 people on January 29, 2025. Within weeks, Monumental stepped up to organize the Legacy on Ice benefit event at Capital One Arena, a powerful tribute that brought together world-class figure skaters, first responders, and more than 15,000 attendees to raise more $1.3 million to support impacted families and first responders.
“We know our platform comes with responsibility," said Lakeisha Roberts, who accepted the award on behalf of Monumental Sports and CEO Ted Leonsis. "A responsibility to open our doors, to mobilize our people, and to help create moments that bring the community together when it matters most.”
Sean Morris, Chair of The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees closed the program by celebrating The Community Foundation as a unifying convener and connective tissue of the region’s philanthropic community.
“The work we are celebrating tonight does not end when we leave this room. It continues — because of the people in this room. And that is reason enough to feel hopeful.”
The evening was also enriched through extraordinary performances from some of the most exciting artistic voices our region has to offer, including Ni Dembaya presented by Creative Suitland; Rayshun LaMarr, a Mars Arts D.C. artist, presented by Washington Performing Arts; Raíces Negras, presented by Strathmore; and the Washington Conservatory Jazz Players presented by the Washington Conservatory of Music. These organizations represent just a few of the region’s vital arts nonprofits supported by The Community Foundation and our community of givers.
