Photo courtesy of AHS
River Farm is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.
Alexandria-based nonprofit Campagna Center celebrates 80 years of helping children and families build bright futures at its Lighting the Way: 80th Anniversary Gala on Friday, May 9, 2025. The event will take place at the historic River Farm estate, offering breathtaking views of the Potomac River and a heartfelt program reflecting on the organization's legacy and the impact of departing president and CEO, Dr. Tammy L. Mann.
Since 1945, Campagna Center has delivered educational and social development programs that empower children, teens, and adults. In the past year, it served 2,493 residents in the Alexandria community. Since the 1960s, and for decades under the leadership of its legendary director Elizabeth Anne Campagna, the Center has offered vital programming such as support for women impacted by incarceration, offerings for youth dealing with issues of mental health and homelessness, and mentoring for teenagers adjusting to new environments and planning for college and careers.
Today, Campagna offers a wide range of services, from early childhood education for infants and toddlers via Head Start and Early Head Start to before- and after-school programs for elementary students to college and career readiness for high schoolers to English language classes for adults.
As Campagna Center reflects on its legacy of service and its future, the Gala will also honor a transformative leader, Dr. Tammy Mann, who will be stepping into her next chapter after 13 years of dedicated service as President and CEO. Under her guidance, the organization has deepened its impact, particularly for families earning between 100–200% of the federal poverty level, through early childhood education, after-school programs, and workforce development initiatives. The program will include a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Mann’s legacy, as well as opportunities to connect with local businesses, supporters, and civic leaders.
“On May 9th we’ll celebrate the service that Campagna has had the privilege of providing to Alexandria for 80 years, while we also honor the dedicated community of supporters, volunteers, and staff who’ve made it possible,” said Mike Crifasi, Chief Development Officer of Campagna Center. “It should be a lot of fun, too.”
The start of the event will be cocktail hour from 6 to 6:45 PM, followed by a catered dinner paired with specially selected wine and spirits. From 7to 8 PM, an exciting prize drawing and a live auction will take place. An after-party from 8 to 10 PM will feature unlimited desserts and drinks, live music, and a silent auction, and separate tickets are still available for the Gala Dessert & Dancing experience at $150 per guest. The dress code for the whole evening is cocktail attire.
The Magic Ticket
For $80, attendees and non-attendees can enter for a chance to win one of three exclusive Magic Ticket Packages before the live auction. The packages feature exclusive dining and sports experiences.
How it works:
Purchase one (or more) Magic Tickets for $80 each
One lucky winner will be drawn at random
That winner will get to choose any one of the featured auction packages
The winner, if not present at the event, will be notified on Monday, May 12, 2025 and retrieve their package at Campagna’s headquarters within one calendar year
All proceeds from the Gala and Magic Ticket sales support Campagna’s year-round educational programs that serve more than 2,000 Alexandria residents annually. Tickets can be purchased using this link.
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.campagnacenter.org/80th-anniversary-gala/.
Where:
River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22308
When:
Friday, May 9th, 2025
6-10 PM
Campagna Center, one of Alexandria’s oldest nonprofit organizations, equips children and families with a comprehensive set of tools to help them thrive and succeed. Since 1945, we have served the community by offering a range of programs that foster a dedication to learning among children, youth, and adults. Over 2,000 children and families take advantage of our services every year.
