In the news | May 28, 2025
ECDC Hosts 28th Annual Fundraising Gala, Celebrates Humanitarian Leadership and Community Impact
Arlington, Va. – On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the ECDC hosted its 28th Annual Fundraising Gala at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. The evening brought together nearly 470 guests, including community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and supporters, to reflect on ECDC’s 42 years of service and to raise funds for ongoing refugee and community support programs.
The event took on special importance this year as ECDC responds to shifting federal policies that have affected funding across the resettlement landscape. Funds raised during the gala will help bridge resource gaps and ensure ongoing support for refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in the United States.
In his welcome remarks, ECDC President and CEO Dr. Tsehaye Teferra highlighted the significance of the evening. “This gathering is a chance to reaffirm our mission, honor those who exemplify service and compassion, and celebrate those who ensure that newcomers are met with dignity, opportunity, and hope,” he said.
As part of the program, ECDC presented its annual awards, recognizing individuals for exceptional humanitarian and community leadership. The Honorable William T. Newman, Jr., received ECDC’s 2025 Public Service Award in recognition of his long-standing civic leadership and advocacy for justice. Ed and Barbara Shapiro, co-founders of the Shapiro Foundation, were honored with ECDC’s 2025 Lifetime Humanitarian Service Award. Their support for refugee resettlement, including their pivotal role in welcoming the first Syrian refugee family to Greater Boston in 2015, continues to inspire action and results.
Also recognized was the 2025 Peace Award recipient, Tariku Gankisi, a celebrated Ethiopian singer known for his cultural contributions and advocacy for peace. His widely popular single Dishta Gina became a symbol of national celebration, and his vocal calls for peace during the 2020 conflict in Northern Ethiopia have been recognized for their courage and impact.
Among the evening’s notable attendees were Arlington County officials, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Andrew Nacin, former National Security Council Special Advisor for Refugee Admissions, HIAS President Mark Hetfield, USCRI President and CEO Eskinder Negash, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) officials, leaders from the humanitarian and immigrant support sectors.
Dr. Teferra concluded his welcoming remarks by expressing gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters whose collective commitment continues to shape a more just and welcoming future for those seeking refuge in the United States.
Bahati Kanyamanza, Global Partnerships Director at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), delivered the Keynote speech. Munit Mesfin, an award-winning Ethiopian American singer-songwriter, served as the event’s emcee, and Zed Wondemu was this year’s gala chair.
The 28th Annual Fundraising Gala stood as a powerful reminder of ECDC’s enduring mission and the collective strength of those committed to supporting refugees and immigrants in building new beginnings with dignity and hope.
In this picture: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Allene Wright, Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, ECDC Affiliate Directors, and Arlington County community leaders.
For more information, contact:
Lullit Paulos, Director, Communications at lpaulos@ecdcus.org