The Grassroots Health Gala - Grassroots Health

The History of the Grassroots Health Gala

The Grassroots Health Gala began in 2018 when Hexagon, a D.C.-based musical theatre group, selected us as their community nonprofit partner and encouraged us to host our first-ever gala. With their help gathering auction items and building an invite list, we felt the energy from the Grassroots Health community right away. The 2018 cocktail-style reception revealed something powerful: our athlete alumni, educators, community members, and supporters were eager for an opportunity to come together and celebrate the movement we were building.

In 2019, we ran with that momentum. We hosted 180 guests for a seated dinner at the Josephine Butler Center in Meridian Hill Park. The event sold out weeks in advance, and its “homecoming” vibe motivated us to dream even bigger. After the pandemic in 2022, we came back with a vengeance, hosting more than 200 guests at The Showroom in Downtown DC, where we honored DC’s Teacher of the Year, Jermar Rountree, and two Grassroots Health students-turned-interns.

Understanding that these events work best when focused on community and cultivation, we’ve moved to a 2–3 year rhythm. In April 2025, the Grassroots Health Gala returned once again, this time to the colorful and iconic Culture House DC. With over 250 people in attendance, emceed by Nicole Banister and honoring Founder Tyler Spencer and NFL player Ian Wheeler, the event brought our extended network together for a night of joy, reconnection, and purpose. Together, we raised over $30,000 to fill funding gaps and keep our programming strong in a rapidly shifting funding landscape.

Not Your Average Gala

Our galas are not just about fundraising. They are about fueling our movement. At Grassroots Health, we believe in celebrating from the ground up. That’s why our events are intentionally community-focused, affordable, and accessible to our full network of supporters, from classroom volunteers to educators and longtime donors.When hundreds of people give what they can, we don’t just hit our fundraising goals, we strengthen the fabric of our community. Our galas are proof that real impact happens when everyone has a seat at the table (or the dance floor).

Stay Connected

Check out photos below from our most recent gala, and stay tuned for future events. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again soon.