Let Love Grow Annual Spring Fundraiser: A Celebration of Hope, Community, and New Beginnings
There are events you go to… and then there are events that stick with you.
Our Let Love Grow Spring Fundraiser is one of those.
On Sunday, April 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the stunning grounds of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will fill with music, laughter, and people who care deeply about children and families across Virginia.
You’ll get great food, mimosas, live music, and a beautiful afternoon outdoors, but more importantly, you’ll be part of something that truly makes a difference.
About Children’s Home Society of Virginia
At the heart of this annual fundraiser is the work we do.
CHS has spent decades helping children across Virginia find safe, loving, and permanent homes. Our work focuses on:
- Foster care adoptions and private adoptions
- Counseling and lifelong support for adoptive families
- Search and reunion services for adult adoptees
- Housing and wraparound support for youth transitioning from foster care to independence
- Advocacy for children who need stability and permanency
And the reality is, there’s still a huge need.
Thousands of children in Virginia’s foster care system are waiting for a family. Events like this aren’t just “nice to have.” They directly fund the services that help youth move from uncertainty to love and stability.
Let Love Grow Annual Spring Fundraiser at Lewis Ginter: What to Expect
If you’ve never been to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in the spring, you’re missing out.
Now picture it filled with:
- Live music from the David Esleck Trio (yes, they’re back again because people loved them last year)
- Delicious food and drinks (including mimosas)
- A relaxed, outdoor setting that doesn’t feel stuffy or overly formal
Event Details:
- Sunday, April 26th, 2026
- 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- $40 per ticket or four for $125
- Purchase by April 17th
Bonus: your ticket includes all-day admission to the gardens, so you can make a full afternoon out of it with family and friends.
Keynote Speakers
This year’s speakers are real people with a real story.
Alex and Liz will share their journey through foster care and adoption—honest, messy, and meaningful.
- Married for 11 years
- Began fostering in 2019
- Fostered children ages 0–17
- Adopted their son in 2023
Their son, now a joyful, energetic five-year-old, completely changed their lives.
And they don’t sugarcoat it.
Adoption is beautiful. It’s also complicated, emotional, and sometimes hard in ways people don’t talk about enough.
What made the difference for them? Community.
Through organizations like Children’s Home Society of Virginia, they found support, connection, and people who understood what they were going through.
You’ll also get a glimpse into their everyday lives:
- Alex works at Capital One, plays guitar, and coaches his son’s little league team.
- Liz is a content creator and volunteers locally to support foster families.
They’re not just telling a story—they’re showing what this journey actually looks like.
Silent Auction & Raffles
If you like a little friendly competition (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t, this part is for you.
Our fundraiser will feature:
- A silent auction packed with unique items and experiences
- Raffles with fun, high-value prizes
In past years, the silent auction has been packed with crowd-pleasers—think gift cards to local restaurants, bakeries, and wineries; tickets to popular attractions, games, and shows; and one-of-a-kind artwork like paintings, custom pieces, and blown glass. There have also been getaway and staycation packages across Virginia, complete with hotel stays and activities, plus golf foursomes, curated gift baskets, and memberships to local museums and recreation spots. This year’s lineup is shaping up to be just as good, with the same level of care put into every item and experience.
It’s an easy way to give more while also walking away with something great.
Where Your Money Goes (And Why It Matters)
When you support our annual fundraiser event, you’re helping fund:
- Adoption services and home studies
- Counseling for children and families
- Post-adoption support (which is huge and often overlooked)
- Resources for the youth in our My Path Forward Program
This is direct, life-changing support.
You’re helping a child find stability.
You’re helping a family stay together.
You’re helping someone feel like they finally belong.
Sponsors Making Our Fundraiser Possible
Events like this don’t happen without strong community backing.
This year’s sponsors include:
- Estes
- Troutman Pepper Locke
- Zan’s Refuse Service, Inc.
- Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
- TowneBank
- Steve & Beth Yeakel
- Biringer Builders, Inc.
- RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
They’re stepping up to make a real impact, and we’re truly grateful for their support, dedication, and belief in the work we do to help children and families across Virginia. Their generosity makes events like this possible and directly contributes to brighter futures for the kids who need us most.
Want to Become a Sponsor?
If you’re looking for a way to give back through your business while being part of something meaningful, we would truly appreciate your support in helping make this event possible.
Sponsorship opportunities help:
- Expand CHS programs
- Reach more children and families
- Strengthen community partnerships
And yes, you’ll also get brand exposure in front of a highly engaged, local audience.
There are multiple levels available, so whether you’re a small business or a larger organization, there’s a way to get involved.
Why Let Love Grow Spring Fundraiser Matters
The Let Love Grow Spring Fundraiser isn’t just another event on your calendar. It’s one of those afternoons that reminds you what a community is supposed to feel like. It’s a chance to connect with families, friends, and neighbors who share a passion for helping children in foster care and adoption.
From enjoying the beauty of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to savoring delicious food and mimosas, listening to live music, and bidding on thoughtfully curated auction items, every moment is filled with purpose and heart. Most importantly, your presence and support help provide vital resources and hope to children and families across Virginia, making a real difference that lasts long after the event ends.
Join us, and be part of a day where laughter, love, and community come together to create brighter futures.
Buy your ticket today!
