Join us for an unforgettable evening at Ideas in Bloom: Together We SpringForward, PHILLIPS’ largest annual charity gala dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of students across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.

This elegant and inspiring night is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to empower our youth, raise critical funds, and bring together passionate individuals and community partners who believe in the power of education and opportunity.

✨ An Evening to Remember ✨
🌿 Live & Silent Auctions
🌿 Raffles & Exclusive Prizes
🌿 Elegant Dinner & Dancing
🌿 A Powerful Program Advocating for Our Youth

Our Mission & Goal
This year, we are striving to raise $350,000 for the PHILLIPS New Horizons Fund, which enables us to develop and expand innovative services that support both current and future students and young adults. Your generosity will help create new opportunities and brighter futures for the youth in our community.

Be Part of the Change!
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of giving and celebration. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the next generation.

Meet Our Gala Co-Chairs: Dan Giusti & Mary Akinkugbe

We are honored to have Dan Giusti and Mary Akinkugbe as the esteemed Co-Chairs for Ideas in Bloom: Together We SpringForward! Their leadership, passion, and dedication to empowering youth will be instrumental in making this year’s gala a night to remember.

Dan Giusti

A visionary leader in the culinary and education space, Dan Giusti is the founder of Brigaid, an organization transforming school meal programs to provide students with nutritious, chef-driven meals. As a former Head Chef at the world-renowned Noma in Denmark, Dan has dedicated his career to making a meaningful impact in communities, ensuring that every child has access to healthy, high-quality food. His commitment to youth development and education aligns perfectly with PHILLIPS' mission, and we are thrilled to have him as a driving force behind this year’s event.

Mary Akinkugbe

As a Managing Director at EY, Board Member of PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families, and Board Member of SpringForward, Mary Akinkugbe is a dedicated advocate for education, youth development, and community engagement. With her leadership and expertise, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and philanthropy to help make this event a success. Her commitment to supporting underserved youth ensures that our gala will be an impactful night of giving.