Since its founding in 1958, National Children’s Center (NCC) had a vision: to create a “home” for children with special needs and aid families in a time of ignorance and obscurity. In 1961, it occupied the space on 6200 2nd Street NW and housed an inaugural class of 25 for the summer, who would subsequently lay the groundwork for decades of innovation and development.

Today, the nonprofit organization remains a sanctuary for overlooked communities and underrepresented families throughout the D.C. metropolitan area, and is celebrating 65 years of inclusion, compassion, and empowerment with an honorary gala at The Ronald Reagan International Building on Oct. 10.

“Every five years we come together to share the success of the organization and also speak a little bit about the future. When we think about all the work that we’ve done over the last 65 years, it’s also touching on the rich history of NCC and why the organization even came to fruition,” said NCC CEO Terrance King.

The National Children’s Center’s 65th anniversary gala promises an evening with just as much entertainment as reflection. With a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and live musical performances on the agenda, the night predicts nothing short of a celebration; but also an opportunity to learn about the institution’s history and transformative community-based services that have impacted the lives of many individuals since 1958.