A Different World Annual Gala 2026: Building Community, Celebrating Inclusion, Creating Lasting Connections

Every meaningful tradition begins with a purpose. At A Different World Services LLC, our Annual Gala was created with one simple goal: to bring people together in a welcoming environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are celebrated, meaningful relationships are built, and our community comes together through inclusion, compassion, and connection.

On February 28, 2026, that vision came to life once again as we proudly hosted our 2nd Annual Dinner Gala at The Hidden Oaks in Richmond, Virginia. The evening welcomed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, direct support professionals, case managers, service providers, community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, advocates, and friends for a celebration that reflected the heart of our mission—Building People. Building Family.

Inspired by a “Night at the Museum” theme, guests stepped into an elegant evening filled with wonderful food, music, laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories. More importantly, they entered a space where everyone was welcomed, respected, and valued. Throughout the evening, friendships were strengthened, new connections were made, families reunited, and community partners gathered with a shared commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.

For many of the individuals we serve, opportunities to attend formal community events and celebrate alongside family members, peers, professionals, and community leaders are meaningful experiences that foster confidence, encourage social connection, and create lasting memories. These moments matter because they remind every individual that they belong, that they are seen for their strengths, and that they are an important part of our community.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the evening was witnessing the collaboration that makes our work possible. Our Annual Gala brought together people from across the Richmond community—individuals receiving services, families, caregivers, disability service providers, case managers, healthcare professionals, local businesses, community organizations, elected officials, volunteers, and supporters—all united by a shared belief that inclusion creates stronger communities.

We were honored to welcome back Micah “Bam-Bamm” White as our gala host for the second consecutive year. His warmth, humor, and genuine ability to connect with every guest helped create an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable, celebrated, and encouraged to simply enjoy the evening together.

We were equally privileged to welcome Terry Davis—former NBA player, author, and philanthropist—as our guest speaker. His inspiring story of perseverance, faith, and personal growth reminded everyone that every challenge can become an opportunity for hope and purpose. His message encouraged guests to continue believing in themselves, supporting one another, and investing in communities where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.

The evening was filled with exceptional entertainment that brought guests together in celebration. Returning for the second consecutive year, JTucker & The Krewe once again energized the room with an incredible live performance that had guests singing, dancing, and creating unforgettable memories together. DJ B Riley kept the celebration alive throughout the evening, while the beautiful performance by Brown Ballerinas for Change demonstrated how the arts can inspire inclusion, creativity, and meaningful expression. Guests were also captivated by the elegant living statues from Dollz Entertainment, whose artistry added another memorable element to the night’s experience.

Behind every successful event is a community of people willing to serve others. We are sincerely grateful to our generous sponsors, volunteers, vendors, performers, photographers, planning team, and community partners whose time, talent, and support made this evening possible. Their collaboration reflects what can happen when organizations, businesses, professionals, and community members work together to create opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our heartfelt appreciation extends to Amy Cynthia Events for coordinating an exceptional evening, RW Event Designs & Rentals for transforming the venue into a stunning “Night at the Museum” experience, The Hidden Oaks for hosting our celebration, Chef X for providing an outstanding dining experience, In The Mix With Tee for exceptional hospitality, Pix R Us Photo Booth for capturing joyful memories, and our talented photography and media teams for preserving moments that will continue inspiring our community for years to come.

This celebration also reflects the vision of our founders, Jean M. Jeudi, Director of Operations, and Keats Alexander, Founder and Program Director. Their leadership continues to guide A Different World Services with a commitment to creating opportunities where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to build relationships, participate in their communities, discover new experiences, and live with dignity, purpose, and independence.

At A Different World Services, we understand that meaningful inclusion extends beyond the services we provide. It is reflected in the relationships we build, the opportunities we create, and the communities we strengthen together. When individuals, families, caregivers, providers, community organizations, businesses, and local leaders come together, they create a network of support that helps people feel connected, valued, and empowered. Those connections are an important part of building healthy, compassionate communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As our organization continues to grow, we remain committed to creating experiences that encourage belonging, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate the unique strengths of every individual we serve. We are proud to continue building a community where inclusion is not simply encouraged—it is lived every day.

To every individual, family member, caregiver, staff member, volunteer, sponsor, donor, performer, community partner, and friend who joined us, thank you. Your kindness, generosity, and belief in our mission continue to inspire the work we do. Together, we are creating opportunities that bring people together, strengthen our community, and remind every individual that they are valued, respected, and never alone.

We invite you to explore the photo gallery below and relive the unforgettable moments from our 2026 Annual Gala. We hope these photos capture more than an evening of celebration—they reflect friendships being strengthened, partnerships growing, families making memories, and a community coming together to ensure that every person has the opportunity to belong.

Building People. Building Family.

(See the full album on Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/adifferentworldservicesllc