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325 Hearts At Virginia Women & Family Support Center’s 'Every Baby Deserves a Home' Gala
- Virginia Women and Family Support Center
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
On September 6th, 2025, Virginia Women and Family Support Center hosted the 6th Annual Every Baby Deserves a Home Gala, a heartfelt fundraiser dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing homelessness.
More than 325 guests joined us for an evening filled with hope, inspiration, and the power of community. From the laughter and conversation to the meaningful moments of recognition and storytelling, the night was a vivid reminder of what we can accomplish when hearts come together for a shared purpose. This extraordinary evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our community and our gracious sponsors.
Virginia Women and Family Support Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to housing women and families, with three properties in Haymarket, Manassas, and Gainesville, Virginia. Through safe, stable housing and supportive services, we work every day to empower women and children to thrive.
The Every Baby Deserves a Home Gala was made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: Skyline Financial Partners, Chapel Springs Church, Sentara Health, Grace Covenant Church – Chantilly, Prince William County Schools, Bold Impression Media, UVA Health, Glorious Weddings, Zeta Phi Beta, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Melody Anti, Northern Virginia Baptist Training Center, Manassas Church of The Brethren, and The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
Guests were treated to a gourmet dinner of Atlantic Salmon or Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, paired with perfectly prepared pasta, potatoes, and vegetables, graciously sponsored by BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Gainesville, VA. The attention to detail and the delicious flavors added a sense of elegance and care to the evening, reflecting the dedication of our supporters.
Capturing the memories of this incredible night, Jasmine Rush with Speaking From The Lens (www.sftlens.com) provided videography and photography that beautifully documented the gala. We are deeply grateful for her artistry. In addition, the PWCS TV Productions team consisting of Tony Lilly, Department Chair, and Johnathan Balsamo, Instructor, worked alongside six talented students from their program: Natalya Barnwell, Trinity Garcia, Johnathan Cuceres, Ana Campos, Dominguez, Estefany Paz, and Brody Parent - to cover photography and videography, showcasing the evening through the eyes of rising media professionals.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our Event Planner, Alyssa Glorioso (gloriousweddings.co), whose tireless efforts made this gala a seamless and beautiful experience. After learning about our event at One Million Cups Prince William months ago, Alyssa volunteered to help with décor and contributed her time, expertise, and energy throughout the night. From organizing and finalizing last-minute details to washing dishes alongside our team, Alyssa’s dedication exemplified the spirit of service and generosity.
Adding an extra layer of elegance and warmth, Melanie’s Florist in Haymarket donated 32 stunning centerpieces. Their artistry and care transformed the space into a vibrant celebration of community and compassion.
The evening was elevated by the extraordinary performances of Cynáa-Nicole Moorman, a 17-year-old vocalist, musician, and songwriter from Northern Virginia. Cynáa-Nicole, a recent graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., performed Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald and Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. With over a decade of experience in music, dance, and acting, as well as proficiency in piano, Cynáa-Nicole’s artistry blended music, beauty, and authenticity, leaving the audience captivated.
We were honored to have Shayna Burt serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. Her presence and leadership brought grace and energy to the evening, helping create a true celebration of community and support for women and babies. Shayna Burt is a distinguished attorney, representing families, common interest communities, and charitable nonprofits in Virginia and Washington, D.C. A graduate of The College of William & Mary and William & Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law, Shayna has built a career dedicated to service, leadership, and the arts. She is the Immediate Past President of the Hylton Performing Arts Center Executive Board, Legal Consultant for World Doctors Orchestra, Board Chair of The Onyx Project, and serves on the boards of Court Appointed Special Advocates – Children’s Intervention Services and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. Her professional and community achievements, including recognition as one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s fifty most influential people, exemplify her dedication to strengthening our region.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Generation Hope. Nicole, a former teen mother who earned her degree from the College of William & Mary while raising her daughter, now leads a national movement supporting student parents striving to achieve higher education. As a CNN Hero and recipient of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Award, Nicole has been recognized for her transformative work in dismantling poverty through education. Her critically acclaimed memoir, Pregnant Girl: A Story of Teen Motherhood, College, and Creating a Better Future for Young Families, provides insight into the challenges faced by young families and highlights the importance of systemic support. Her story resonated deeply with all in attendance, inspiring action and advocacy for those we serve.
This gala exemplified the power of community. It is through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and volunteers that Virginia Women and Family Support Center is able to provide housing and resources to women and children in need. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who donates their time, resources, hearts, and hands to help us continue this mission.
For those unable to attend but wishing to support our cause, there is still an opportunity to make an impact. Help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 this weekend to further our mission of housing pregnant women and families experiencing homelessness. Simply text ‘FORBABIES’ to 44-321 or visit vawfsc.org to make a meaningful contribution.
Together, we are ensuring that every baby truly deserves a home.
