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Celebrating the Human Spirit

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Events Calendar, Food & Drink, Community Meetings, Networking

Date and Time

  • Saturday, Jun 27, 2026  6pm - 8pm

Location

Inside the event space on the lobby floor of Crystal Gateway. This is a ticketed event.

Tickets are purchased via making a donation to Adam for Congress at this link here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/celebrating-human-spirit

A private 'meet and greet' cocktail hour will begin one hour before at 5pm for 'Spirited Donors'.

Details

You are warmly invited to join Adam Dunigan, Congressional Candidate for Virginia’s 8th District, for an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, music, a silent art auction, and networking. The theme, “Celebrating the Human Spirit”, honors those who have overcome extraordinary challenges to make meaningful contributions to our community.

The event features Vienna Lionheart, the first female ambidextrous solo violinist and arranger, celebrated for performing with both hands on the violin simultaneously. Originally from Iran, Vienna will also share her powerful story of escaping the brutality of an oppressive regime to build a new life in America.

The event launches the “Matrix Art” collection by former Peace Corps volunteer Joseph (Joe) Connors, whose notable works include Capitol in Snow, featured in the silent auction. Drawn from his original photographs and shaped by his experience with illness, these abstract pieces reflect his resilient spirit.

Our keynote speaker, Adam Dunigan, overcame significant early challenges to earn a master’s degree in international relations from Harvard University using the GI Bill. He joined the Marines at 18 and later served overseas as a CIA case officer. Believing the country was heading in the wrong direction and that he needed to act, he resigned from government service three years before qualifying for a pension.

The event is hosted by Anne Ralte, who grew up as an orphan in northeast India and survived on USAID food aid. After being brought to the United States by an American family, she began a career in international development that started at UNICEF and later took her to USAID, where she served in the Office of Peace and in senior policy and strategic planning roles.

Come, meet and get to know our amazing line up of people (and other guests) who are working hard to protect our democracy.
The event will feature both Peruvian and Spanish tapas.
Attire: cocktail

We hope to see you on June 27th!

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