October 21, 2024
Kristina Bouweiri, 2024 Community Leadership Award Honoree
Dear Community Foundation friends, supporters, and partners,

Last Friday night, I had the privilege of attending my first Raise the Region Gala as President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. I woke up this morning feeling both overjoyed by the celebration of philanthropy and deeply inspired by your contributions supporting the Northern Virginia community we all cherish.

The event was a resounding success, with hundreds of guests joining us both in-person and online. Wherever you were, your support was felt, helping us raise more than $730,000 to address the changing needs of our region. We couldn’t have done it without your incredible generosity and commitment.

We honored Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine, with the 2024 Community Leadership Award. Her commitment to causes she feels passionate about is something I found compelling. Kristina's speech was both heartwarming and encouraging. I encourage you to see her full video, below, and learn more about her. Thank you, Kristina, for your impactful work and leadership in Northern Virginia.


During the excitement of last night's festivities, The Community Foundation announced that we have granted over $100 million in funding to nonprofit organizations since our start in 1978. We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Whether you are a donor, professional advisor, government leader, entrepreneur, nonprofit organization, we all have a part to play in strengthening our local communities. View the video below highlighting the Community Foundation's role as a broad-based funder across the region and beyond.


Thank you to our event sponsors, the Board of Directors, Gala Committee, our auction donors, and the entire Community Foundation team for your support and dedication. A special thanks to Carolyn Howell, Founder and CEO of Events USA, and Sumeet Shrivastava, CEO of Unissant, the evening's co-chairs.
View the full program here

And thank you to each and every person who attended the Gala. Your support will help the Community Foundation continue its commitment to building community resilience, promoting economic mobility, advancing racial justice and equity, and encouraging an inclusive prosperity for all.

Let's show the world what Northern Virginia can do.


renee signature
Renée Byng Yancey
President and CEO
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia