Horton’s Kids hosted its 17th annual Give Thanks & Give Back Gala at The Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown on Friday, March 7, 2025. The event brought together the Horton’s Kids community to recognize the champions who make their work possible, discuss key issues facing Anacostia, and also celebrate their asset-driven work supporting families and households. The gala raised $238,136 to be directly contributed to Horton’s Kids programming.
During the evening, two award winners were recognized by the Horton’s Kids organization.
Shermika Settles, a dedicated mother of two, Parent Advisory Council member, and THRIVE graduate, was presented with the The Julie Lonardo Community Champion Award. This award honors a community member who exemplifies engagement and makes a significant impact as a valued member of Horton’s Kids.
Washington DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb was presented with the The Karin Walser Commitment to Service Award, which recognized his outstanding volunteer work and dedication to giving back to the community. AG Schwalb also participated in an HK Confessions podcast with students in February, discussing his role as Attorney General, work with the Southeast DC community, and Horton’s Kids.
The gala also included a live podcast taping of HK Confessions, Horton’s Kids’ flagship community podcast hosted by their high school program participants. This was a unique opportunity for guests to see Horton’s Kids students in action as they shared how the program has impacted their lives. The students welcomed special guests Lauren Cooper, First Assistant DC Attorney General, award-winner Shermika Settles, and HK Confessions podcast mentor and Horton’s Kids Community & Family Engagement Senior Manager Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick to join the discussion.
For 35 years, Horton’s Kids has worked to remove systemic barriers to opportunity for children and families in Southeast DC. Their holistic approach centers on partnership: connecting with the child, their family, school, and community – to ensure they graduate from high school ready for success in college, career, and life.
Horton’s Hub, which opened in 2023, is a 10,000-square-foot facility designed as a safe and enriching space for the community, featuring wellness rooms, tutoring areas, and even its own podcast studio where this recording took place.
Each year Horton’s Kids comprehensive programs and services support the physical, educational, and social-emotional development of over 600 children and families. The graduation rate for Horton’s Kids participants is twice the neighborhood average.
ABOUT HORTON’S KIDS:
With 35 years of working with families in Southeast DC, Horton’s Kids is finely attuned to the needs and challenges they face. As a trusted community partner, we work in tandem with residents to identify and attain the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s tutoring, vocational exposure, career support, or wellness workshops, our place-based model allows families to access a wealth of resources and programming just steps away from their homes. Horton’s Kids helps to remove barriers like geographic isolation, expense, and inconsistency that make it difficult for Southeast families to access the support they need to thrive. To learn more, visit www.hortonskids.org.
