Celebrating Power, Purpose, and Possibility: Highlights from Martha’s Table’s 7th Annual Benefit

On Sunday, October 6, Martha’s Table hosted its 7th Annual Benefit, an inspiring autumn evening filled with gratitude and celebration. Centered around the theme of Power, Purpose, and Possibility, the event united supporters, honorees, volunteers, partners, and community members to reflect on our mission and the transformative impact we create together.

As attendees mingled at the cocktail reception, a sense of excitement filled the air, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable night. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and new supporters alike, all united by a shared commitment to supporting families and uplifting communities in Washington, DC.

Benefit Co-Chairs Ken Bacon and Marcella Jones gave a warm welcome to attendees, and President & CEO of Martha’s Table Tiffany Williams shared  highlighted achievements from the past year that included:

• Distributing 1.8 million meals
• Providing nearly 90,000 clothing items–equating to $2.5 million in savings for our neighbors
• Expanding the horizons of 94 older youth–taking them to Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, and the Maryland Eastern Shore
• Connecting 500 individuals to workshops that boost their overall well-being
• Investing $570,000 in 14 nonprofits doing impactful work in Ward 8

Joe Houston Jr., 2024 Community Champion Honoree, then took the stage to share his journey from a teenager struggling in a challenging environment to a community leader and visionary founder of WeFitDC. Through his story, Joe called on us to tap into our inner superhero to help create positive change in our community.

Joe’s inspiring story paved the way for the paddle raise led by media personality Ms. Poet Taylor, a moment in which the audience showed their passion and commitment to Martha’s Table’s vital work. 

Tiffany then returned to the stage to present Ms. Cathy Hughes, trailblazer, founder, and chairperson of Urban One Inc., with the 2024 Inspiration Award. They engaged in a fireside chat about amplifying underrepresented voices and advocating for social change. This conversation served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in one another and how our collective efforts can drive meaningful change. Watch their discussion here.