Gray for Glioblastoma Charity Gala Photography in Washington DC


This Valentine's Day, I had the honor of being selected as one of the official photography sponsors for the second annual Valentine's Ball for Brain Cancer, hosted by Gray for Glioblastoma at the stunning French Embassy in Washington, DC. What unfolded over those four hours was one of the most meaningful events I've ever had the privilege of photographing — an evening where 500 guests came together in one of the most beautiful venues in the nation's capital, all united by a deeply personal mission to raise awareness and funding for glioblastoma research.

The energy inside La Maison Française was electric from the moment the doors opened. Pink and red Valentine's decor filled the space, cocktails were flowing, the Hathway Band had the dance floor packed, and every corner of the Embassy buzzed with guests connecting over a cause that touches far too many families. It was the kind of evening where you could feel the purpose in the room.


About Gray for Glioblastoma


The evening was the vision of Katherine Snedeker, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and University of Texas at Austin graduate who founded Gray for Glioblastoma in 2021 after her father, Craig Snedeker, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme — a grade IV brain tumor that is the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain cancer. Craig passed away on March 12, 2023, after a year and a half battle with the disease, but Kate has channeled her grief into building something extraordinary in his honor.

Here's the reality that drives Gray for Glioblastoma's work: brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children and the tenth leading cause in adults, yet only about 3% of all cancer research funding goes toward brain and central nervous system cancers. The average survival rate for glioblastoma patients is just 14-16 months, with only 25% of patients surviving beyond one year. There is currently no cure.

Gray for Glioblastoma is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to change those numbers through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and community building. The organization has grown rapidly, partnering with over 30 social media influencers — including names like Alix Earle, Audrey Peters, and Ellie Thumann — to expand their reach exponentially. They've hosted events ranging from intimate workout classes to large-scale galas with 600+ attendees in cities across the country, including Washington DC, New York City, the Hamptons, Charleston, Chicago, Austin, and Dallas.

The gray ribbon represents brain cancer awareness, and Gray for Glioblastoma's tagline says it perfectly: it is COOL to support brain cancer research.

A colorful pattern of pink, red, and burgundy heart shapes with handwritten names creates a Valentine's Day themed background.
A person in a red top wearing a bright pink baseball cap dances in a dimly lit venue.
Red and white Valentine's Ball signage displayed above elegant floral arrangements with roses and baby's breath.
Large empty event space with red ceiling lights and white columns features scattered cocktail tables and projection screens.
A pink informational plaque displaying brain cancer statistics stands on a white pedestal with pink lighting in the background.
A wall display featuring various company logos and brand stickers arranged on a white surface.
Abstract architectural interior with red ceiling beams and floating white spheres creating a modern, dynamic space.
Red dresses displayed in a bar or restaurant setting with colorful cityscape artwork on the walls.
Valentine's Day themed gift bags and candles arranged in a row with red bows and heart patterns.
A person in a pink off-shoulder gown speaks into a microphone at a fundraising event for brain cancer.
A collection of baseball caps with various logos and patches arranged in a row with warm lighting.
Business cards for a mobile coffee cart and catering service displayed on a pink surface with white cups in the background.
A group of friends pose together in formal attire at what appears to be an indoor venue or event space.
Watercolor paint palette and brushes arranged on white paper with brass or gold colored metal objects.
Three women pose together in formal dresses - one in red and two in black - against a wall with pink heart decorations.

Inside the Valentine's Ball


The French Embassy — La Maison Française — provided an unforgettable backdrop for the evening. Located on Reservoir Road in Georgetown, the Embassy's elegant architecture and intimate atmosphere made it the perfect setting for a Valentine's-themed gala that balanced celebration with purpose.

The event was packed with thoughtfully curated activations that kept guests engaged all night long. The Calluna Rose Bar offered stunning ribbon-wrapped roses. Shockley Embroidery personalized ties and makeup bags on the spot with the GFG logo. Spencer Grace Art Space created one-of-a-kind fashion illustrations of guests. Erah Permanent Jewelry crafted custom bracelets with special charms. A typewriter poetry station produced personalized poems, while a card writing station invited guests to create heartfelt messages that would later be sent directly to glioblastoma patients and their families — one of Gray for Glioblastoma's signature initiatives.

The open bar featured an impressive roster of sponsors including Lalo Tequila, Scotty's Vodka, Crescent Syrups, Mom Water, Juneshine, Saint Spritz, Dogfish Head Beer, Surfside, SunCruiser, Happy Dad, Wine Water, and Drop of Sunshine, served with custom ice cubes and branded drink stirrers. Running Bean kept the espresso martinis flowing all night.

Live entertainment carried the evening from cocktail hour through the last dance. The Hathway Band took the stage mid-evening and had the room on their feet, bookended by DJ sets from Luca and Farouq. The silent auction showcased exclusive experiences and items, and Kate's speech was the emotional heart of the night — a powerful reminder of why everyone was there and the lives that glioblastoma has impacted.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the speech portion, when Brigid Pugh, a current Baltimore Ravens cheerleader who lost her own father to brain cancer, shared her story with the room. Her words were a raw, personal reminder that glioblastoma doesn't discriminate — and that the work Gray for Glioblastoma is doing matters to real families. An Additional Ravens cheerleader was also in attendance throughout the evening, adding to the energy and showing the breadth of community support behind this cause.


How You Can Support Gray for Glioblastoma


If Kate's mission resonates with you — and after spending an evening photographing the passion and purpose in that room, I can tell you it's hard for it not to — here are a few ways to get involved:


Washington DC Charity Event & Gala Photography


Photographing the Valentine's Ball for Brain Cancer was a reminder of why I love what I do. Beyond weddings, there's something incredibly rewarding about documenting an evening where hundreds of people come together for a cause bigger than themselves — especially one as personal and urgent as glioblastoma research.

If you're organizing a charity gala, fundraiser, corporate event, or nonprofit event in the Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia area and need a photographer who understands how to capture both the energy of your event and the details that matter to your sponsors and stakeholders, I'd love to chat.

Get in touch here to discuss your upcoming event.


Valentine's Ball for Brain Cancer Vendor Team