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Easterseals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Disability and Veteran Communities Come Together to Raise Over $900K

Silver Spring, MD,
Media Contact
Paula Moore, Vice President
pmoore@eseal.org

Critical services for low-income families, people with disabilities, and military veterans and their families received a big boost in support last night. Advocates for Easterseals DC MD VA came together to raise over $900,000 – a record-breaking amount for the organization.

Easterseals honored some notable figures during the gala, which took place at Union Station. Among them was Dave Hoppe, the only person to have served as Chief of Staff to both the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. That Speaker was Rep. Paul Ryan, who was on hand to present the award to Hoppe for his years of work to support people with disabilities.

Ryan applauded Hoppe for working across the aisle with a policy acumen “that has also made Dave a tremendous advocate for people with developmental delays.”

2025 Advocacy Awards

The honorees of the 2025 Advocacy Awards pose with the Easterseals DC MD VA president
Honorees of the 2025 Advocacy Awards pose with Easterseals DC MD VA President Jon Horowitch (second from left). From left to right: Ernest LaMont Greer, representing award recipient Greenberg Traurig; Mrs. Amy Mingus and General James J. Mingus; and Dave Hoppe.
A man speaks at a podium while two others look on
Dave Hoppe (right) is shown with former House Speaker Paul Ryan (center) and Hoppe’s son Greg (left).
A woman speaks at the podium during the 2025 Advocacy Awards
Mali Locke, Easterseals DC MD VA Board member and 2025 Advocacy Awards chair, welcomed the gathering of over 400 Easterseals supporters.
A man speaks from the stage of the 2025 Advocacy Awards
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins spoke to attendees about the need to support military veterans.
A place setting at the 2025 Advocacy Awards dinner
  1. Honorees of the 2025 Advocacy Awards pose with Easterseals DC MD VA President Jon Horowitch (second from left). From left to right: Ernest LaMont Greer, representing award recipient Greenberg Traurig; Mrs. Amy Mingus and General James J. Mingus; and Dave Hoppe.
  2. Dave Hoppe (right) is shown with former House Speaker Paul Ryan (center) and Hoppe’s son Greg (left).
  3. Mali Locke, Easterseals DC MD VA Board member and 2025 Advocacy Awards chair, welcomed the gathering of over 400 Easterseals supporters.
  4. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins spoke to attendees about the need to support military veterans.
  5. No image caption

The law firm Greenberg Traurig received the Corporate Partner Award. Easterseals recognized the firm for its commitment to creating an equitable society and its support of Easterseals’ Head Start program and Veteran Staffing Network.

Also honored were General James J. Mingus, the 39th Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and his wife Amy Mingus, who are noted advocates of mental health for members of the armed services. U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins also spoke, urging attendees to support efforts at reducing veteran suicide. On average, 17 veterans every day die by suicide. Easterseals’ Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic offers support to military families coping with their mental health.

Funds raised during the gala will support all Easterseals programs in early education, health, and employment.

Missed the 2025 Advocacy Awards? Watch it here.

About Easterseals DC MD VA

Easterseals DC MD VA is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.