Join us. Add your voice. #ShedShame.
Project Blackbird Benefit Gala
Friday, May 2, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Watergate Hotel | Washington, DC
#ShedShame around mental health
Join us for this inaugural Event funding free therapy for the youth
Special Guests and Speakers Including...
Mental Wellness program supported by our partners NAMI, Maybelline, and Talkspace
Premier
sponsors
Supporting
sponsors
You are invited to the inaugural fundraising gala for PROJECT BLACKBIRD, held on May 2, 2025, at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Support raised from the gala will continue the essential work of PROJECT BLACKBIRD by allowing us to double our annual impact in 2025 and beyond to connect 20,000 with our message. Additionally, the gala directly supports our new initiative to fund free therapy for 700 university and high school students through an exclusive partnership with Talkspace.
The gala will feature live performances from top artists, desserts from a celebrity chef, creative activations from our generous partners, and over 300 supporters of PROJECT BLACKBIRD’s mission. As the organization joins mental health advocacy and the entertainment industry, we look forward to including policy-maker attendees and influencer friends of the cause, including attendees from our celebrity ambassador list.
About Our Inaugural Benefit Gala
- Featured Guest Speakers
- Live Album Release Performance by Krystofer Maison (debuting his newest single)
- Celebrity Chef Demonstrations with Chef Nicholas Martino of ABOVEGROUND and other D.C. Chefs
- A beautifully curated three-course dinner at The Watergate Hotel
- Hear from the Students we have helped
- Live & Silent Auction featuring luxury travel, art, and sports memorabilia
- Post-gala soirée in the Vault room
- Forbes Magazine and red carpet coverage
You are invited to the inaugural fundraising gala for PROJECT BLACKBIRD, held on May 2, 2025, at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Support raised from the gala will continue the essential work of PROJECT BLACKBIRD by allowing us to double our annual impact in 2025 and beyond to connect 20,000 with our message. Additionally, the gala directly supports our new initiative to fund free therapy for 10,500 students through an exclusive partnership with Talkspace.
The gala will feature live performances from top artists, desserts from a celebrity chef, creative activations from our generous partners, and over 300 supporters of PROJECT BLACKBIRD’s mission. As the organization joins mental health advocacy and the entertainment industry, we look forward to including policy-maker attendees and influencer friends of the cause, including attendees from our celebrity ambassador list.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the dress code?
The event is cocktail attire. We encourage guests to dress in elegant evening attire.
Will there be assigned seating?
Yes, seating is assigned. If you have special requests or would like to be seated with specific guests, please update your registration with your preferred guest(s).
What is the parking situation?
Valet is available at the hotel for $25.00 and then $58.00 if you plan to stay overnight.
Is there a discounted room block so I can stay at the historic Watergate Hotel?
Yes! We have a room block at the Watergate, and you can book it here: https://book.passkey.com/event/51018313/owner/1922/home
Will there be a silent or live auction?
Yes! We will have both silent and live auctions featuring exclusive experiences, luxury items, and unique opportunities.
How can I donate an item for the auction?
We appreciate donations! If you’d like to contribute an auction item, please contact Tania at info@yowaevents.com.
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes! The evening includes a three-course plated dinner and a cocktail reception with complimentary drinks during the reception and wine accompanying dinner.
What accommodations are available for guests with disabilities?
The venue is fully accessible. If you need special accommodations, please contact us at info@yowaevents.com.
Evening Highlights
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Your sponsorship will amplify our mission and demonstrate your leadership in supporting critical conversations about mental wellness.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
- Presenting Sponsor – $100,000 (1 available)
- Premier Sponsor – $50,000 (1 of 2 available)
- Benefactor Sponsor – $25,000
- Champion Sponsor – $15,000
- Patron Sponsor – $10,000
- Supporting Sponsor – $5,000
- Event Needs Opportunities also available (e.g., floral décor, valet, VIP reception, etc.)
All sponsor levels receive the following:
- Recognition in pre-event marketing and on-site event materials
- Event website logo placement
- Additional opportunities include sponsorship of specific event features and increased visibility based on commitment level.
Your sponsorship will directly fund PROJECT BLACKBIRD’s initiatives, empowering us to continue fostering dialogue, providing free therapy and other resources, and driving meaningful change nationwide. Together, we can dismantle barriers and uplift voices that deserve to be heard.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact alexandra@projectblackbirdinc.org.
Advertise at the gala!
Show your support for youth mental health while promoting your business! Purchase an ad in the Project Blackbird Benefit Gala program book and gain exposure to an audience of corporate leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists—all while helping fund free therapy for students in need.
Project Blackbird Team
&
Gala Committee
Board of Directors and Advisors
- Alexandra Miles, Founder
- Krystofer Maison, Board Advisor
- Newton Howard, Board Advisor
- Amanda Koplin, Board Member
- Brian D. Bankes, Board Member
- Kendra Williams, Partner, Board Member
- Paula Edwards-Gayfield, Moderator, Board Member
- Ryan Walton, Board Member
- Stephanie Buerkel, Board Member
Gala Committee
- Krystofer Maison, Board Advisor, Project Blackbird
- Craig Mason, Co-Founder + CEO, Raise Health
- Gabrielle Katz, Practice Owner, Coastal Collaborative Care LLC
- Sam Peterson, Regional Resource Director, Caron Transformational Care
- Makayla Ruiz, Social Media Manager, Sage Social
- Melissa Martinez, Marketing
- Rona Wang, Marketing
- Kojenwa Moitt, CEO, Zebra Public Relations LLC
- Lauryn Garza, Executive Assistant, Zebra Public Relations LLC
- Tania Kasongo, CEO, Yowa Events
- Melissa Mather, Community Outreach Liaison, Pasadena Villa Outpatient Center