Attend Gala to Raise Funds for Developmental Disabilities

About "Champions of the Year"

Two people smiling and laughing at a fun-filled CRi event.

CRi Champions of the Year Campaign

This 12-week philanthropic initiative where community champions, just like you, come together to raise funds and awareness in support of our community in need. Launched during our 50th Anniversary serving individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, Champions Candidates and their hand-selected team members of all ages and from the states of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia will compete to raise awareness and funds to ensure all individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs will forever be able to live and be cared for in a house full of heart regardless of their economic station in life.

Nominate a Champion Today

4 Simple Next Steps

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Nominate Your Candidate. After your candidate accepts the nomination to lead their philanthropic campaign to bring awareness and funds to individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, the fun begins! Impact here we come!

Step 2 - Select Your Team

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Your Candidate selects a rockstar team of family, friends and colleagues to help with the goal of raising at least $7,500 in donations ahead of the charity gala.

Step 3 - Launch Giving Campaign

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

12-week campaign launches with Candidate orientation and outreach planning for success. The candidate and team begin their philanthropy campaigns across Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

The Campaign culminates at our 50th Anniversary Charity Gala & CRi Honors on September 27 at the Capitol One Hall. The Champions of the Year will be celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at amber@eventsusa.com if you need assistance with finding the answers to your question(s).

When Does the Champions of the Year Campaign Take Place?

It is a 12-week period that will start in June and end in August. With the celebration happening on September 27 at the 50th Anniversary Gala & CRi Honors.

Who Are the People Who Make the Best Champions of the Year Candidates?

Candidates who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others! They join CRi in being relentlessly focused on what’s possible. They are innovative in how they help meet the needs of people in our communities. These individuals are often community members that surround themselves with a strong network of like-minded visionaries. All with the belief that we are stronger together and every person with developmental disabilities desires the same respect and independence that they exercise in their own lives. Candidates will be from all walks of life:

Community Leaders, Teachers, Coaches, Music Instructors, Bus Drivers, Grocery Store Clerks, Business Owners, Retirees...
Senior Executives, Business Giving Circles, Parents, Aunts, Uncles & Grandparents...
College Students, College Athletic Teams, Honors Clubs, Fraternities & Sororities, Bands...
Young Professionals, YP Councils, 40 under 40, Leadership Classes...
Youth, T-ball teams, dance troupes, 4-H clubs...

How Do I Nominate a Candidate? May I Nominate Myself?

You complete the online nomination form and next steps. We encourage you to nominate those that live, work and play in the states of Maryland, Virginia and in the District of Columbia. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged and highly welcomed. Candidates are often private about how they support the community and perhaps only you know the best way to share that in a nomination. Someone from our EVENTS USA team will reach out to you regarding your submission(s). If you have questions, then please reach out to us via our website and we will get back with you. After the submission deadline, our Champions Committee will review and move on to next steps.

How and When Can I Donate to Someone's Campaign?

You can make a donation on our website by clicking the “Donate” button. Simply select "Program Specific" and type "Champions" and your Candidate's name, enter the donation amount with your contact information, and hit submit! Donations open immediately and close at the end of the 12-week timeframe. If you would like to make a donation via check or money order, then please make it payable to Community Residences, Inc. In your memo section please write “Champions” with your Candidate’s name.

How Is the Money Raised Through Champions of the Year Used?

Funds raised from Champions of the Year are used to address:

Providing quality services and safe, secure & comfortable housing to help empower individuals with disabilities & mental health needs to live as high a quality of life as possible
Research to develop programs that help our individuals experience greater choice, respect & independence in their local communities
Relentlessly finding innovative ways to meet the needs of the people we support in the communities where they live and work.

How May I Participate in Champions of the Year?

You can be a candidate, serve on a campaign team, donate to a campaign or general fund for CRi, sponsor the Campaign or the 50th Anniversary Gala & CRi Honors, and/or volunteer on the Champions Committee. Review our Ways to Engage Brochure.

What Is a Candidate Campaign Team?

Candidates invite those in their network and communities to rally around the mission of CRi, support the candidate during the timeline, creating opportunities to make lasting connections and have a great time together while raising awareness and a minimum of $7,500.00 per team for a great cause.

When Are the Winners Announced?

Campaign winners will be announced at the September 27, 2025 CRi 50th Anniversary Gala and CRi Honors at the Capital One Hall.

About CRi

Celebrating 50 Years of Service!

CRi is a non-profit organization providing quality services to help empower individuals with developmental disabilities & mental health needs to live as high a quality of life as possible. Through our programs, our individuals experience greater choice, respect & independence in their local communities.

Since 1975, CRi has been relentlessly focused on what’s possible. We invest our time & effort to find innovative ways to meet the needs of the people we support in the communities where they live and work.

Learn More

A caregiver with his hand raised to give a high five to Sam who is seated in a chair.

A caregiver spends time with one of our individuals, Sam.

CRi Presents Champions of the Year Philanthropy Campaign. Nominate Today!

About "Champions of the Year"

CRi Champions of the Year Campaign

4 Simple Next Steps

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 2 - Select Your Team

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 3 - Launch Giving Campaign

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

It’s Almost Here!

Frequently Asked Questions

About CRi

Celebrating 50 Years of Service!

CRi Presents Champions of the Year Philanthropy Campaign. Nominate Today!

About "Champions of the Year"

CRi Champions of the Year Campaign

4 Simple Next Steps

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 2 - Select Your Team

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 1 - Nominate Your Candidate

Step 3 - Launch Giving Campaign

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

Step 4 - Celebrate the Champions

It’s Almost Here!

Frequently Asked Questions

About CRi

Celebrating 50 Years of Service!

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