By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
For six decades, Didlake has been part of the fabric of Prince William County, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, work, and thrive in their communities. This fall, the Didlake Foundation will celebrate that legacy—and chart a course for the future—at its inaugural gala.
A Legacy Rooted in Manassas
Founded in 1965 as the Didlake School, the nonprofit has grown through three distinct phases: education, employment, and enrichment. When federal law guaranteed free public education for students with disabilities in 1975, Didlake pivoted to focus on employment. What began as a small mailing business quickly expanded into a wide range of job opportunities and community programs.
“Today, Didlake employs more than 1,000 people with disabilities and delivers quality service solutions for federal and state government customers throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.,” said Kelsey DeWispelaere, Executive Director of the Didlake Foundation. “We believe in empowering individuals to realize their full potential so they may lead more satisfying and meaningful lives. Opportunity creates choice and choice empowers people. At Didlake, we create opportunities to empower people every day.”
That mission has remained steady even as the organization has grown. “I’m most proud that Didlake has stayed true to its roots while growing in impact,” DeWispelaere reflected. “From that first small schoolhouse to operating federal contracts, commercial businesses such as UPS Stores, and community programs, our focus has never wavered: people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in their communities.”
A Celebration 60 Years in the Making
The gala, themed Celebrating 60 Years of Empowerment: Bridging Decades, Building Futures, is both a tribute to the past and a launchpad for the Foundation’s next chapter. The evening will honor Rex and Gina Parr, longtime champions of inclusion and community leadership.
“Their decades of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to inclusion represent the very heart of Didlake’s mission,” said DeWispelaere. “Together, they embody both our history and our future, the very bridge this gala celebrates.”
The evening promises sophistication with a playful twist—valet service, curated dining, live music, and a Mod-inspired nod to the 1960s, when Didlake was founded. Guests will also enjoy the storytelling that is central to Didlake’s work.
Stories that Inspire
Over the years, Didlake has been home to countless success stories that showcase the power of opportunity and inclusion. One example is a young man who participated in Project SEARCH, a public-private internship program that provides youth with disabilities immersive experience in a community setting. “Through the program, he gained hands-on experience, built confidence, and developed job skills that matched his strengths,” said DeWispelaere. “After graduating, he was hired as an usher at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Today, he not only earns a paycheck but also welcomes thousands of patrons each season, bringing full circle the idea that inclusion should take center stage in our community.”
That sense of storytelling is one reason WUSA9 anchor Simone De Alba is serving as emcee. For her, Didlake’s mission connects directly with her own calling as a journalist.
“What resonates with me is the idea that everyone has a story worth telling—and worth hearing,” said De Alba. “Didlake’s mission is about opening doors, not just to jobs, but to dignity, independence, and belonging. As a storyteller, I’m drawn to voices that are too often overlooked. Everyone deserves the chance to be seen for what they can do, not defined by what they can’t.”
A Connector for the Community
De Alba sees her role at the gala as more than introducing speakers or guiding the program. “I think of my role as being a connector,” she explained. “Maya Angelou said people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. That’s the goal—feel something! These are friends and neighbors who deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their resilience and achievements. And I want people in the room to not just hear their stories, but to feel them—to walk away inspired, connected, and hopeful.”
She believes the impact of the gala reaches far beyond the ballroom. “Inclusion benefits all of us. When our neighbors living with disabilities have opportunities to thrive—our workplaces, our schools, and our neighborhoods become stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative. Supporting Didlake isn’t just about helping one organization—it’s about building a community where everyone belongs, and where every person has the chance to contribute their talents.”
Community Support and the Path Ahead
This first gala is made possible by sponsors including Sentara, The Hylton Performing Arts Center, Wawa, 4Imprint, The Rose Gaming Resort, and AetherForge. “Their investment is more than financial,” DeWispelaere noted. “It’s a statement that people with disabilities matter, that inclusion matters.”
For individuals and businesses across Prince William and Northern Virginia, there are many ways to support—from sponsoring a table or donating a bottle of wine for the gala’s bottle pull to year-round giving.
DeWispelaere envisions the Foundation becoming “a powerful philanthropic engine for inclusion” that not only funds innovative programs but also supports the families and caregivers who form the circle around each individual. “The Foundation’s next chapter is about helping people with disabilities and their families live not only supported lives, but truly fulfilling lives, where inclusion is not the exception but the expectation.”
Be Part of History
The Didlake Foundation’s inaugural gala is more than an elegant evening—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the past while shaping the future.
As DeWispelaere put it: “It’s a chance to be part of history. Guests will celebrate 60 years of progress while helping shape the next 60.”
The Didlake Foundation Gala will take place November 8, 2025, at Crystal View in Fairfax. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation, visit bit.ly/DFgala.