Save the Date: 2026 Child of America Gala

Friday, May 1, 2026
Shorehaven Golf Club — Norwalk, Connecticut

Please save the date for Carver’s signature annual celebration—the 2026 Child of America Gala—to be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the beautiful Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.

For questions or early inquiries, please contact Carver Nikki LaFaye, Director of Philanthropy, at (203) 945-9665/mobile or nikki@the-carver.org.

This special evening brings together community leaders, educators, donors, and friends of Carver to celebrate “A World of Possibilities”, the promise of young people, and the collective impact we can achieve when we invest in their futures. The Child of America Gala is Carver’s most important fundraising event of the year—an inspiring night that honors extraordinary leadership while raising critical support for Carver’s programs serving thousands of students across Norwalk and Bridgeport.

2026 Child of America Honoree: DeAndre Parks, CFA

Carver is proud to recognize DeAndre Parks, CFA, as the 2026 Child of America Honoree.

A visionary leader with a lifelong commitment to young people, DeAndre Parks has helped shape opportunity and create lasting impact across our community and beyond. More than twenty years ago, as a member of Carver’s Board of Directors, he played a pivotal role in creating the Child of America Gala—envisioned as a platform to honor leaders of color, elevate Carver’s mission, and expand its impact. Today, the Gala stands as Carver’s most significant annual fundraising tradition, a testament to his foresight and belief in the power of leadership and representation.

DeAndre’s dedication to youth extends far beyond Carver. He founded and led impactful initiatives including the Westside Vikings and ACTS ICONS, helping more than 300 young people reach college through mentorship, discipline, and opportunity. Together with his wife, Latrice Parks, he endowed a scholarship at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, ensuring access to higher education for future generations. Each year, DeAndre also personally funds the DeAndre Parks Scholarship, awarded to Carver’s top-achieving student—a powerful symbol of his enduring commitment to excellence and equity.

A Chartered Financial Analyst with more than 30 years of experience in institutional asset management, DeAndre Parks exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity, and service that lie at the heart of the Child of America honor.

More details to come

We look forward to celebrating with you on May 1, 2026. Sponsorship information, ticket details, and program highlights will be shared soon.