Rooted in Harlem

Events & Community

Gatherings that honor our elders, celebrate our community, and fund the programs that serve Harlem.

Reverence Day Gala community celebration
Signature Annual Event

Founded October 9, 2025 — in honor of Deloris Mary Corbett Johnson Payne, Entrepreneur and Matriarch.

Reverence Day Gala

Honoring Elders. Bridging Generations. Funding Community.

The Reverence Day Gala is WAED Foundation's signature annual event. It is a celebration that honors our elders, bridges generations, and raises funds for the organization's community initiatives across Wellness, Arts, and Education. The Gala was founded in honor of Deloris Mary Corbett Johnson Payne — Entrepreneur and Matriarch — whose life and legacy inspire everything we do.

FrequencyAnnual
PurposeCommunity celebration & fundraiser
BenefitsWellness, Arts & Education programs
Founded in honor ofDeloris Mary Corbett Johnson Payne

Programming Calendar

All programs run in two annual sessions. Mark your calendar and reach out to enroll.

Late Summer Session

Begins last Monday of August

Our summer-to-fall session covers all three pillars — Wellness, Arts, and Education — running through the end of the year.

Late Winter Session

Begins last Monday of January

Our winter-to-spring session brings the full program lineup back, including the Fluidity™ Certification Intensive in January.

Fluidity™ Certification Intensive

Held each January, Week 2 or 3 — 5-day intensive, $1,000

Support Our Mission

Your contribution directly funds Wellness, Arts, and Education programming for marginalized communities in Harlem. Every dollar makes a difference. WAED Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — donations may be tax-deductible.

Zelle

[email protected]

Send directly to our Zelle address

Donate via Zelle

Givelify

Wellness, Arts and Education Foundation

Search our name on the Givelify app and select your preferred initiative

Open Givelify

Stay Connected

Be the first to hear about upcoming events, new sessions, and community announcements. Join our listserv and we'll keep you in the loop.