NIGHT OF TREES GALA

Washington, DC

Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM

The Historic Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert St NW

Join us for the Night of Trees Gala, where holiday celebration meets the power of inclusion...where festive elegance and community spirit unite to champion Special Olympics DC athletes! Inspired by Washington's most cherished holiday tradition, this unforgettable evening brings together business leaders, philanthropists, and community partners all celebrating the remarkable achievements of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Festive. Inspiring. Transformational.

We can't wait to share this magical holiday evening with you all in support of Special Olympics DC and empowering athletes to thrive on and off the playing field.

Get Tickets

Questions? Contact McKenzie Plante

mplante@specialolympicsdc.org | 202-408-2643

MEET YOUR UNIFIED CO-HOSTS

We are proud to introduce our Unified Event Hosts for this year’s Gala: Victoria Arlen, ESPN Host and Special Olympics Ambassador, and Karon McDonald, a Special Olympics D.C. athlete and leader. Together, they embody the true spirit of inclusion, bringing their voices, energy, and passion to celebrate our athletes and community.

Schedule

6:00 PM | Sip, Meet & Mingle
Champagne reception, stunning holiday trees & silent auction

7:00 PM | Ballroom Opens
Silent auction, wine auction & dinner

8:30 PM | The Main Event
Athlete moments, live auction & paddle raise

9:30 PM | Let’s Celebrate!
Music, dancing & holiday cheer

Funds raised provide year-round sports, health and inclusion programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, all at no cost.

Tickets

Individual Ticket

$500

Join us for Special Olympics DC’s Night of Trees Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating inclusion, community, and the power of Unified Sports. Each ticket includes access to the cocktail reception, buffet dinner, open bar, live band, program, auction, and an inspiring evening celebrating Special Olympics DC athletes.

Every ticket helps provide year-round sports, health, and leadership programs for Special Olympics DC athletes at no cost to them or their families.

$500

Table of 10

$5,000

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for Special Olympics DC’s Night of Trees Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating inclusion, community, and the power of Unified Sports. A table of 10 includes admission for 10 guests, access to the cocktail reception, buffet dinner, open bar, live band, program, auction, and an inspiring evening celebrating Special Olympics DC athletes.

Your table helps provide year-round sports, health, and leadership programs for Special Olympics DC athletes at no cost to them or their families.

$5,000

Sponsorship Opportunities

MVP Presenting Sponsor

Premier logo placement on all event materials
Recognition in press releases and media outreach
Opportunity for exclusive speaking role during the program
Four premier tables (40 guests)
VIP reception access
Brand integration across the event experience
Inclusion in pre-and post-event communications (social media platforms,newsletter)
Personalized thank you video from SODC athletes
Group volunteer opportunity during the year

$100,000 Amount

Inclusion Champion

Prominent recognition throughout event marketing
Opportunity to introduce an athlete speaker
Three premium tables (30 guests)
VIP reception access
Featured recognition on event signage and digital promotion
Inclusion in pre- and post-event communications (social media platforms, newsletter)
Personalized thank you video from SODC athletes
Group volunteer opportunity during the year

$50,000 Amount

Athlete Champion

Two premium tables (20 guests)
Prominent logo placement in event program and signage
Recognition during the evening program
VIP reception access
Opportunity to brand an experience
VIP Reception sponsor
Champagne Reception
Holiday Tree Gallery Sponsor
Photo Booth Sponsor
Inclusion in pre-and post-event communications (social media, newsletter)
Two recognition posts on social media including a link to your company’s website
Inclusion in post-event highlights video
Group volunteer opportunity during the year

$25,000 Amount

Community Champion

Two premium tables (20 guests)
Logo placement in event program and signage
Recognition during the event program
Inclusion in pre- and post-event communications (social media platforms, newsletter)
One recognition post on social media including a link to your company’s website

$15,000 Amount

Can’t make it? You can still make a meaningful difference.

A tax-deductible donation to Special Olympics DC helps provide year-round sports training, health services, leadership development, and inclusive programming for thousands of athletes across Washington, DC.

Every gift, regardless of size, helps ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to discover their strengths, achieve their goals, and experience the joy of belonging.

Learn More About Special Olympics DC

❤️ Make a Difference Today!

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42 YEARS

A beloved Washington, DC holiday tradition.

2600+ Athletes

Served annually through Special Olympics DC programs.

11 Olympic-Style Sports

Providing year-round opportunities for competition, growth, and achievement.

1 Extraordinary Evening

Helping fund approximately one-third of Special Olympics DC's annual operating support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black tie or holiday cocktail attire. See 2025 Gala Photos

Valet parking are available through the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Self parking is first come on the street.

Absolutely! Many guests attend individually or as couples and quickly become part of the welcoming Night of Trees community.

Yes. Special Olympics DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.