AMERICA'S BALL for THE MALL 2025 Photo Gallery

America’s BALL for THE MALL: THE ROAD TO 250 HIGHLIGHTS & PHOTOS

The event of the season welcomed a glittering crowd of nearly 600 partners and champions to celebrate and support America’s Front Yard. Against the backdrop of the soaring Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, we came together on the National Mall to honor our nation's history and look ahead to the celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial—America's 250th anniversary in 2026. We share gratitude for all who joined us and generously supported our work with the National Park Service as Ball partners and sponsors. Scroll down for photo highlights!

The Trust for the National Mall officially launched Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall —Raising $250 million in honor of America’s 250th to restore, preserve and elevate the National Mall for 2026…and beyond.

Trust CEO Catherine Townsend and Board Chair Bruce Broussard announced the Our Monumental Moment campaign along with National Park Service Superintendent for the National Mall Kevin Griess and Trust Board Vice Chair, Sheila Johnson, and debuted a new Our Monumental Moment campaign video, watch here.

The Trust recognized the Leadership Circle campaign partners — early champions of this important work for America’s 250th — including lead partner Humana, HP, Inc, and The Home Depot, represented by CEO, Ted Decker, who spoke about what inspired The Home Depot to join the campaign and encouraged others to join. Additional generous partners were also recognized on stage, including GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and Caterpillar. Get involved and support the campaign here!

Honorees and featured speakers, including CNN’s Pamela Brown shared personal reflection and connection with the National Mall as the sun set behind the Washington Monument.

The Honorable Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, offered a compelling reflection on the significance of our public lands and civic spaces and a tribute to the National Mall and America’s 250th.
History, Heroes & Hope honoree and NFL Washington Commanders owner, Josh Harris, gave meaningful acceptance remarks sharing a personal connection to Washington D.C. community and the National Mall and its symbolism in our nation. Tributes by David Rubenstein, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and childhood friend and Washington, D.C. entrepreneur Mark Ein were rooted in Josh’s commitment to philanthropy, especially in Washington, and his deep ties to the power, meaning, and symbolism of the National Mall. This honor was celebrated by Marjorie Harris, Sylvia Harris, and the Harris family, Harris Philanthropies, and the Washington Commanders and NFL leadership.
Three members of Congress — Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Rep. Robert Aderholt and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman — who are members of our National Mall 250 Congressional Committee were recognized on stage and presented America250 Chair, Rosie Rios, with her History, Heroes & Hope Award — Chair Rios highlighted the America250 national organization's strong partnership with the Trust, for the upcoming national commemoration.
Trust Founder and Chair Emeritus John E. “Chip” Akridge and Trust champion Sally Akridge were celebrated and recognized by several speakers and received the evening’s biggest standing ovation.

As David M. Rubenstein, a longtime champion of the Trust and member of our National Mall 250 Cabinet, reminded us, we all must play a role in preserving the National Mall for the next generation. You can help to ensure this national treasure endures and inspires in 2026 and beyond.  Join us on the Road to 250!

JOIN US. Become a part of history by supporting Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall – an important and ambitious initiative to raise $250 million inspired by America's 250th.

This momentous campaign will revitalize sites—including:

Restoration of Constitution Gardens and the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial
Revitalization of Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument grounds
Beautification of Lafayette Park
A transformative new digital learning experience, The National Mall Gateway, bringing history and civics to life through the National Mall—for visitors, families and students around the world