01
Arts & Humanities
Culture-bearers keeping Ethiopian identity alive.
Saturday · December 5, 2026 · Washington, DC
ለእናት ኢትዮጵያ
For Mother Ethiopia
“She raised us and sent us into the world. Tonight, her children return to honor her by investing in her future.”
An elegant homecoming for the Ethiopian diaspora — an evening of heritage, gratitude and generosity, and the Legacy Awards honoring those who carry her name forward.
When
Sat, December 5, 2026
Reception 6:00 PM
Attire
Ethiopian-inspired black tie
Headdresses warmly encouraged
RSVP
250 seats
Limited seating
The evening
Less a fundraiser than a homecoming.
6:00 PM
Global Reception
Ethiopian-inspired cocktails, live Afro-jazz, the red carpet and step-and-repeat.
7:00 PM
Gala Dinner
Ivory linen, tibeb and candlelight. A letter to Mother Ethiopia waits at every seat.
7:45 PM
The Legacy Awards
Drumming opens the room — then tributes, the keynote and the giving appeal.
9:15 PM
Cultural Close-Out
A signature Ethiopian performance carrying tradition into the future.
9:45 PM
Buna & Conversation
The coffee ceremony, dessert and a last hour among friends old and new.
Letters to Mother Ethiopia
If Mother Ethiopia were sitting at your table tonight…
…what would you want her to know?
Every guest writes over dinner. Cards are gathered in a handwoven sefed, a few are read from the stage, and all are bound into a commemorative book — the diaspora’s letter home.
The Legacy Awards
An evening that honors its own.
Six honors recognizing leaders whose work is rooted in a deep legacy and still in full bloom.
02
Business & Enterprise
Builders of companies, jobs and opportunity.
03
Women’s Leadership
Women shaping institutions and opening doors.
04
Community Impact
Service and grassroots impact, here and at home.
05
Rising Leader
A next-generation leader already making a mark.
06
Lifetime Achievement
The evening’s highest honor — a legacy carved to endure.
RSVP
Take your seat at her table.
Share your details, then continue to our secure Givebutter page to choose your seat, table or gift. Every seat, table and gift is invested in Ethiopia’s future.
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Reception 6:00 PM · Dinner 7:00 PM
Where
The Conrad Washington, DC
950 New York Ave NW
Sponsors
Contact crystal@EthiopiaTrustFund.org
Sponsorship
Stand beside her — and be seen standing there.
For businesses, families and institutions ready to lead the room. Every sponsorship includes a table of ten, and sponsors are visible at every stage of the evening — from the red carpet to the coffee ceremony.
Presenting sponsor
Founding Partner
$25,000
- Recognized as Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Gala
- Premium table for 10, prime placement near the stage
- Welcome remarks or a 45-second video message
- Full-page recognition in the Gala program
- Logo on the red-carpet step-and-repeat
- Dedicated feature across EDTF social channels
- Logo on the event website and in the press release
- Featured in the EDTF annual impact report
- Recognition in the Letters to Mother Ethiopia book
- First right of renewal for the 2027 Gala
Signature sponsor
Heritage Sponsor
$20,000
- Reserved table for 10 guests
- Named sponsor of one evening moment, by arrangement
- Half-page recognition in the Gala program
- Logo on reception signage and ballroom screens
- Verbal recognition from the stage
- Dedicated social media post
- Logo on the event website; listed in the impact report
- Recognition in pre-event email announcements
Table of ten
Community Partner
$15,000
- Reserved table for 10 guests
- Quarter-page recognition in the Gala program
- Logo on reception signage
- Name recognition from the stage
- Group social media mention
- Logo on the event website
Table of ten
Table Sponsor
$10,000
- Reserved table for 10 guests
- Guaranteed seating for your full party
- Table signage with your name
- Company or family name listed in the Gala program
- Named in the post-event thank-you to attendees
Custom packages, multi-year commitments, corporate matching gifts and in-kind support are welcome. Sponsorships confirmed earlier receive the longest runway for recognition.
Crystal Hadnott, Chief Philanthropy Officer
crystal@EthiopiaTrustFund.org · +1 (713) 256-0736