Join us to support the transformational work of L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C.
Heart of L’Arche is our signature annual fundraiser — a joyful gathering that brings together friends old and new to celebrate community, dignity, and life shared between people with and without intellectual disabilities.
Whether you’re just discovering L’Arche or have been part of our story for years, you are warmly invited.
What to Expect
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres & drinks
Catch up with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with good food and easy conversation.
Explore our silent auction
Browse meaningful experiences and local favorites, with every bid supporting L’Arche. Preview our auction catalog.
Experience an uplifting program
Gather for a program featuring a special musical collaboration with Ben Sollee and stories from our L’Arche community.
Can’t Attend?
You can still be a champion for belonging!
Heart of L’Arche raises critical funds to sustain L’Arche GWDC’s homes, programs, and people — especially as we navigate rising costs and ongoing challenges to disability services.
If you’re unable to attend, or if you’d like to make an early gift, your generosity makes a meaningful difference.
Musical Guest: Ben Sollee
We are thrilled to be collaborating with Ben Sollee to share the fullness of our hearts and community with you.
For two decades, Kentucky native Ben Sollee has been a multifaceted creative force, seamlessly blending music, technology, and activism. He has released eight studio albums as a songwriter, including his most recent, Long Haul (2024), along with several EPs and live recordings, showcasing his distinctive cello playing and global fusion of musical styles.
As a composer, Sollee’s work spans stage and screen, notably his latest film collaboration with director John Slattery, Maggie Moore(s), starring John Hamm and Tina Fey. His music has been featured in TV shows like Weeds and Parenthood, and he earned an Emmy in 2018 for his score for the ABC special Base Ballet. His passion for dance has led to collaborations with Pilobolus, Keoni & Mari, and most recently, a new ballet titled Togetherness with choreographer Eric Trope and poet Ada Limón.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Sollee is a vocal advocate for social and environmental causes, partnering with organizations such as Oxfam America, The Nature Conservancy, and Canopy KY to champion people and the land. He resides in Louisville, KY, with his wife and three children.
Silent Auction: Experiences Worth Gathering For
Take a glimpse at a few of the experiences waiting in this year’s silent auction—opportunities to travel, celebrate, and share something meaningful with the people you love.
Sponsors
Our sponsors play a vital role in making Heart of L’Arche possible.
Through their support, sponsors help ensure people with and without intellectual disabilities can continue to share life in community — while gaining visibility among a diverse and values-driven audience.
Special thanks to Dependent Financial Planning for being a 2026 Leadership Sponsor.
Thank you also to:
The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund
ALCO Pharmacy, Han Group, IVC (Ignatian Volunteer Corps), National Down Syndrome Society, GT Miller Homes, Virginia Theological Seminary, & Archdiocese of Washington Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry
Event FAQs
Is the event accessible?
The Barns at Wolf Trap is on one level and can be accessed without stairs via the front entrance.
Also available is a circular drop-off/pick-up area at the entrance to The Barns.
For the program, we will have microphones to amplify our speakers & music, slides to visually guide our time, and printed programs. The program will primarily be in English. Please let us know other access needs you may have, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
How do I get there and is parking available?
The Barns at Wolf Trap is located at 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182. Free on-site parking is available.
What if I can’t attend but want to support the event?
You can still be part of the Heart of L’Arche by making a donation at larche-gwdc.org/donate.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the event, please reach out to us at events@larche-gwdc.org or (202) 232-4539. We’re happy to help.
Curious to Learn More About L’Arche?
Discover stories of friendship, shared life, and belonging from our community.