On October 30th, the FCBA community and supporters kicked off Halloween in style as members and supporters packed The Hamilton Live for an unforgettable evening, raising over $92,000 in support of Pathways to Housing DC and the FCBA Foundation. The Auction Committee sincerely thanks everyone who attended, volunteered, bid, donated, or helped bring this year’s Charity Auction to life. Your energy and generosity made the night one to remember.

The festivities began with a surprise entrance from our celebrity emcees, FCBA President Matt DelNero and FCBA Legend Adam Copeland, who embraced the Halloween spirit by taking the stage dressed as farm animals, instantly setting a fun and lighthearted tone. From there, the night only got more exciting.

Attendees enjoyed a full slate of activities, from spirited rounds of telecom trivia to a crowd-favorite Finish the Lyrics challenge, where guests sang their way through classic hits to unlock funds during the personal pledge drive. The musical enthusiasm (and bold performances!) helped bring the room together in support of two meaningful causes. The excitement continued with a standout lineup of live auction experiences, including luxurious getaways to Easton, Maryland, and Martha’s Vineyard, an intimate afternoon of hand-crafted cocktails with FCBA icon Van Bloys, and coveted VIP tickets to “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” Guests eagerly dove into the re-introduced in-person bidding options, competed live for select items, tested their luck in the raffle, and browsed the ever-popular mystery wine grab-bag. The energy in the room was electric as paddles went up for some of the night’s most coveted prizes.

With proceeds from the FCBA Charity Auction, Pathways to Housing DC will expand its targeted programming for Transition Age Youth (18–24) experiencing homelessness, reaching nearly 400 young people during the grant period. Auction proceeds will help bridge critical gaps in academic, vocational, and basic-needs resources by funding GED materials, tutoring, college and vocational application support, and essential school supplies. The funds will also strengthen career pathways through coaching, interview attire, leadership development, and financial literacy education. Additionally, contributions will increase youth access to technology, such as cell phones, chargers, and computers and provide vital necessities including culturally responsive hygiene products, transportation assistance, food support, and community-building activities. Together, these investments will help Pathways deliver comprehensive support that empowers youth to pursue stability, education, and long-term success.

Participation in the Auction also supports the FCBA Foundation’s annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance and laptop computers to DC public high school students, helping them succeed in college and beyond. Each year, the Foundation reviews applications from local high school students and selects scholarship recipients based on financial need, academic achievement, and service to their schools and communities. This year, the FCBA Foundation provided new laptops and $295,000 in scholarships to 22 DC high school students. To make a direct donation to the Foundation, click here and log in to your account.

The success of the 36th Annual Charity Auction was truly a collective effort. The Auction Committee extends its sincere thanks to the Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) Co-Chairs, Jaime McCoy and Cassie Vangellow, and to the FCBA staff, including Kerry Loughney and Stephanie Budaker, for their leadership and dedication. The Co-Chairs also deeply appreciate the Auction Committee members and volunteers who devoted countless hours to planning the event, securing prizes, and coordinating with our beneficiaries. We are equally grateful to the hundreds of generous FCBA members and local business partners who contributed more than 100 prizes to this year’s Auction.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors:

Thank you to our Platinum sponsors: Covington & Burling LLP; HWG LLP; Somos, Inc.; Wiley Rein LLP; Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP.

Thank you to our Gold sponsors: AT&T; Cahill; DLA Piper; Mintz; Paul Hastings; Southern Linc; T-Mobile; Verizon; Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Thank you to our Silver sponsors: American Tower Corporation; Cooley LLP; Cox Enterprises; CTIA; EchoStar Corporation; Hogan Lovells; Lerman Senter PLLC; Wilson Sonsini.