
About the Event
A Light in the Dark is a celebration of the resilient flame that resides in each young person that has experienced homelessness. Individually, each flame may appear dim and alone, but joined together, they paint a picture of a growing problem in our country – youth experiencing homelessness.
This event is more than an opportunity to bring awareness to this growing problem. It is a tribute to the young people and their supporters that are helping to redefine what it means to be homeless. Together, they form a growing community of advocates working to put into action real solutions to bring an end to youth homelessness in our generation.
Our Honorees
Meet the individuals that have had a lasting impact in the lives of homeless youth this past year and join us in celebrating their contributions to our community.

Jonathan & Hannah Allen
Youth's Choice Award

Destiny-Simone Ramjohn
Community Champion Award

Marie Ridder
Lifetime Achievement Award
Enhance the Show with a Culinary Experience
Sasha Bruce has partnered with Cheers In a Box and Chef Elle Simone Scott to develop a culinary experience for all guests attending the event. Enhance your night and join in the celebration with these tasty recipes & drinks, including:
- Parmesean Pepper Popcorn
- Celery Gimlet
- Hibiscus Guava Agua Fresca
And as a special treat to all of our paid ticket holders, we will be providing you with a special Culinary Experience Box with specialty items to comemorate this celebration.
Join us in toasting this year’s Honorees by purchasing a ticket today.

Special Performances

Trooly H.I.M.
Emerging Artist
Our very own, Trooly H.I.M will light the night by making his video debut at this event. His beats will leave you begging for more – a can’t miss opportunity!

Elle Simone Scott
America’s Test Kitchen
From social worker, to celebrity chef, to mentor. Elle has done it all. Join her she share’s her story while helping set your night with some tried and tested cocktails.

Brandon Stansell
Rising Country Music Artist
A bold new voice in the genre, as comfortable making you tap your foot as shed a tear. A singer songwriter with something to say, and a voice to remember. Join us for a special celebratory tribute in honor of Pride Month.
BENEFIT COMMITTEE
Maple & Markus Adams-Krygier | Hannah & Jonathan Allen | Elizabeth Anderson | Tracy & Joshua Bernstein | Jackie Bush | Cheka Cage| Buffy Cafritz (in Memoriam) | Ben & Ashley Chang | Nancy & Fritz Chockely | Pam Feinstein | Spencer Freebairn & Antonio Paniagua| Morgan & Josh Genderson | Donna Greenfield | Sherry Haber & Michael Mandel | Paula Hansen | Alison Harwood | Robert Heggestad | Katherine Kinsella & Edgar N. James | Major Lewis | Mark Lowham & Joe Ruzzo Ben Merkel | Elle Miske | Shaunda Patterson-Strachan | Carolyn Peachey | Liska Radachi | Lisa Raymond | Sylvia Ripley & Christopher Addison | Maresa Roach | Shannon Ryan & John Crain | Ken Sandy | Heideh Shahmoradi | Elizabeth & George Stevens | Shannon Stichman | Will Thomas & Barry Dixon | John Warner
A Light in the Dark Celebratory Honorary Committee
Members Of Congress
United States Senator from Maryland Chris Van Hollen
United States Representative for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District Anthony G. Brown
Delegate to United States House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton
Council of the District of Columbia
Chairman Phil Mendelson
At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds
At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman
At-Large Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau
Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto
Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen
Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
Commissioner of Single Member District 5C07 Jeremiah Montague Jr.
Commissioner of Single Member District 7E05 Sharon Jafari
Commissioner of Single Member District 8A05 Jamila White
Prince George’s County Council
At-Large Councilmember Calvin S. Hawkins, II
District 5 Councilmember Jolene Ivey
District 6 Councilmember Derrick Leon Davis
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Your generosity allows us to provide over 6,500 young people with the opportunities they deserve to thrive in our nation’s capital.
Youth Watch Party Sponsors

