April 21, 2026 – New Date, Same Mission
In order to honor this milestone with the visibility and momentum that the mission – and our community – deserves, The Power of Play is being rescheduled to Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
30 Years. One Purpose: Keeping Children Safe, Seen, and Heard
Join Safe Shores — The DC Children’s Advocacy Center for The Power of Play! — an evening of purposeful fun for grown-ups, designed to spark joy, inspire action, and invest in the childhood every child deserves. Every ticket and sponsorship helps provide trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
Say yes to play — and to protecting children.
New Date – Same Mission
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Where: Capital Turnaround 770 M Street, SE, Washington, DC
Can’t attend? Make a gift to support child victims now.
About the Event
An Evening of Play — For Grown-Ups, With Purpose
Safe Shores is 100% focused on the needs of children. When children are near, they require and deserve our attention. That’s why, for this evening, we’re inviting adults to focus on Safe Shores’ mission — through big-hearted, easy-spirited play and connection that reminds us what every childhood should include: fun, safety, community, care, and joy.
The Power of Play! promises to be an evening full of joy, wonder, and whimsy. Thoughtfully crafted play and art stations, music, food, and exhibits will highlight the healing power of play in children’s lives while shining a light on the hope and healing Safe Shores’ mission provides for child victims of abuse.
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Event Attire
Playful Chic and Photo-Ready!
You’ve got options: business, business casual, or cocktail. No games of Twister here, but whatever you wear, just be ready to play, create, snack, connect, and enjoy the selfie station.
Location – Capital Turnaround
700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Limited Valet Parking
Complimentary valet will be available for approximately 80 cars on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue entrance.
Parking
Street parking around the venue is limited. We recommend rideshare or public transportation. Nearby garages may be available; check posted rates and hours.
Transportation
Metro:
- Green Line: Navy Yard-Ballpark station (About a 10 minute walk east on M Street)
- Blue, Orange or Silver Lines: Eastern Market station (About an 11 minute walk south along 7th Street.)
Bus:
- Several Metrobus routes stop near the venue. Use trip planner apps to confirm the best option by time of day.
Accessibility note: If you need a drop-off close to the entrance, rideshare is often the easiest option. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at 30thAnniversary@safeshores.org.
Play!
Reflect on memories while making new ones at the Safe Shores Arcade, full of large-scale nostalgic games.
Create!
See how art therapy helps heal, while you tap into your creative side at the art stations.
Snack!
Enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks full of playful nods to childhood favorites but with grown-up flavors, all crafted by Windows Catering.
Connect!
Gather with Safe Shores’ supporters, staff and partners — because everyone is a piece of the puzzle to prevent child abuse and keep children safe, seen, and heard.
Photo courtesy of The String Queens
Musical Performance by
The String Queens
We’re thrilled to feature The String Queens (TSQ) —Kendall Isadore (violin), Élise Sharp (cello), and Dawn Johnson (viola) — as the musical highlight of the evening.
Praised for their authentic, soulful, orchestral sound, The String Queens carry audiences from the Baroque and the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100. Their signature arrangements are immersive, uplifting, and flat-out fun —perfect for a Playful Chic night.
Kendall, Élise, and Dawn also teach music to DC youth, sharing artistry, discipline, and joy with young people across our city. Their commitment to children — helping them learn, express themselves, and thrive — beautifully echoes Safe Shores’ work of keeping children safe, seen, and heard.
Meet the EMCEE
Shawn Yancy
Shawn is an Emmy Award–winning television journalist, nonprofit founder, artist, and longtime Safe Shores supporter.
Shawn and her family moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 2001. For 19 years, she anchored evening and late-night newscasts at FOX 5 (WTTG-TV). She joined NBC4 in 2021 and now anchors News4 at 5 and News4 at 11.
Reflecting her deeply caring heart and strong commitment to the DMV community, Shawn launched Girls Night Out in 2010, which became the charitable nonprofit The Giving Foundation for Women and Children in 2019. Through Girls Night Out events, she has donated thousands of dollars to charities across the D.C. area.
A true Renaissance woman, Shawn is also a professional artist with clients nationwide and is generously donating one of her paintings to the Power of Play! silent auction.
Photo courtesy of NBC 4
Purchase Tickets for The Power of Play!
Choose Your Ticket Level — Community-Powered Tiers with Purpose
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, 100% of your ticket purchase goes directly to Safe Shores’ work with children impacted by abuse. The full cost of your ticket is tax-deductible.
Child abuse is a community problem that requires a community response. We want every adult who wants to make a meaningful difference—and who wants to #ProtectKids365—to be able to join us. Please choose the highest ticket level that’s doable for you. Every role makes a difference.
Every ticket is an investment in children’s safety, healing, and well-being. Thank you for standing with DC’s children!
Your gift helps to play it forward and underwrite the $30 Team Player access.
Thank You So Very Much to Our Generous Event Sponsors!
This evening literally could not happen without you. Your partnership powers essential trauma-responsive services, family support, and prevention across DC — helping keep kids safe, seen, and heard. We’re grateful for every sponsor who stands with Safe Shores to #ProtectKids365!
Hopscotch Hero
$30,000
The Family of Arlene Robinson
Creativity Curators
$10,000
Johannessen Family
Beekeeper Group
Boardgame Benefactors
$7,500
MESH Charities, Inc.
V&S Foundation
Aristic Allies
$5,000
Deb Jospin
Wayfinding Partners
The Wilkes Family Foundation
Sandbox Supporters
$2,500
Ellen and Adam Spiegel
Erica and Steve Lawson
Nan McConnell
Rick Moyers
Sandra L. Merin
Sandy and Jesse Villareal
Lesley-Jane Dixon
Muriel Wilkins
Verdi & Ogletree PLLC
This Sponsors page is updated regularly as commitments are fulfilled. If you have already completed your sponsorship and don’t see your name listed here within two business days, please contact us at 30thAnniversary@safeshores.org so we can ensure your recognition appears promptly.
Sponsor The Power of Play!
Sponsorships still available — your partnership is needed.
Your support provides trauma-responsive services, family support, and prevention across DC — helping keep children safe, seen, and heard. Stand with Safe Shores to #ProtectKids365.
