DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY
2026 GALA
and Art From the Heart Art Auction
Join us for The Friends of Foster Care 10-Year Diamond Anniversary Gala, a night of inspiration, impact, and community.
For ten years, TFFC has opened doors of opportunity for youth in foster care. Thanks to our amazing community, we have provided over 70,000 hours of individualized tutoring, 12,000 birthday and holiday gifts, and 5,400+ enrichment experiences that have transformed lives across Hampton Roads and beyond.
Now, as we enter our second decade, we’re celebrating how far we’ve come and rallying together for the future ahead. This unforgettable evening will feature dinner, dancing, and heartfelt stories of resilience and hope, all in support of expanding educational, emotional, and life-skill opportunities for youth in foster care across Virginia.
Come raise a glass to a decade of love in action and to the thousands of lives yet to be changed.
We are excited to welcome the most amazing Emcee back this year, Allen Fabijan!
Plan Your Gala Experience
Venue & Lodging: Hilton Norfolk, The Main
This year’s Diamond Anniversary Gala will be held at the Hilton Norfolk The Main, the crown jewel of downtown Norfolk’s waterfront. With sweeping views of the Elizabeth River, refined dining, and modern coastal luxury, The Main offers the perfect setting to celebrate a decade of brighter futures for youth in foster care.
Located in the heart of Norfolk, guests will enjoy easy access to the city’s vibrant arts district, waterfront strolls, and nearby attractions—all just an elevator ride away from our gala ballroom.
✨ Event Location:
Hilton Norfolk The Main
100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
✨ Exclusive Guest Rate:
A limited block of rooms has been reserved for our gala guests at a special rate.
Click below to book your stay directly with Hilton:
➡️ Reserve Your Room at The Main
We encourage guests to book early—our room block is limited, and The Main is one of the region’s most sought-after destinations. You can also reserve a room by calling 800-445-8667 and using the group name “The Friends of Foster Care” with the code FFC to book.
Tickets & Event Details
Be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating a decade of impact, community, and brighter futures for youth in foster care.
Your ticket to the 10-Year Diamond Anniversary Gala includes a gourmet plated dinner, live entertainment, dancing, and inspiring stories of transformation from the young people whose lives you’ve helped change.
✨ Individual Tickets: $175
✨ Table of 8: $1,400
Proceeds from this event directly support The Friends of Foster Care’s core programs: tutoring, enrichment, and independent living. These programs ensure that youth in foster care have the stability, support, and opportunities they deserve.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with us as we celebrate 10 years of transforming lives and build the foundation for the decade ahead.
Your sponsorship of TheFriends of Foster Care 10-Year Diamond Anniversary Gala directly fuels programs that give youth in foster care the tools to thrive: individualized tutoring, college and career readiness, enrichment activities, and critical life skills.
This landmark event will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers for an inspiring evening of celebration and purpose. Sponsors will enjoy exclusive recognition, premium seating, and meaningful visibility among hundreds of attendees and regional partners committed to strengthening our community.
An Evening of Inspiring Stories
VB Lane
Get ready to dance the night away with VB Lane, one of Hampton Roads’ most dynamic and sought-after bands! Known for their incredible energy, powerhouse vocals, and crowd-moving style, VB Lane brings the perfect blend of sophistication and soul to every performance.
Inspiring Speakers
Our 10-Year Diamond Anniversary Gala will feature a lineup of truly extraordinary speakers—leaders, advocates, and changemakers whose lives and work illuminate the heart of our mission. Each will share powerful stories of hope, resilience, and the transformational impact of community.
From those who have walked alongside youth in foster care to those who have experienced the system firsthand, their voices will remind us why this work matters and how, together, we can shape brighter futures.
Get ready to be inspired, moved, and reminded of the difference one person can make. Their words will stay with you long after the evening ends.
Amazing Silent & Live Auction Items
Art From the Heart Auction
The Art from the Heart Auction is one of the most meaningful highlights of the evening; an inspiring showcase of artwork created by children and teens in foster care. Each piece tells a story of courage, imagination, and hope, offering a glimpse into the hearts of young artists who have faced extraordinary challenges and continue to dream boldly.
Every brushstroke reflects the resilience and creativity that blossom when youth are given the tools to express themselves. By bidding on these one-of-a-kind works, guests not only take home a beautiful piece of art but also help nurture the spirit and potential of the next generation.
Live & Silent Auction
Our Live and Silent Auctions promise to be unforgettable experiences filled with excitement, generosity, and the spirit of celebration! Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an incredible array of items, from exclusive getaways and fine dining experiences to unique local treasures and luxury gifts.
The Silent Auction will open early, giving attendees a chance to browse, bid, and compete for their favorite items throughout the evening; all while supporting life-changing opportunities for youth in foster care.
Then, during the Live Auction, get ready for high energy and heartfelt moments as our auctioneer brings out the night’s most extraordinary prizes. Every winning bid is more than just a prize claimed—it’s an investment in brighter futures for children across our community.
