The 2026 Denim & Diamonds Spotlight

Saturday, April 25, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Martin L. Doordan Institute
John and Cathy Belcher Pavilion

An Exclusive Evening of Inspiration and Impact

Join us for the inaugural Denim & Diamonds Spotlight, an intimate and unforgettable evening featuring legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky, 14-time Olympic Medalist and 23-time World Championship Gold Medalist, in conversation with award-winning journalist and news anchor Chris Wallace.

Together, they will reflect on Katie’s record-breaking journey, including her remarkable world records, and explore the role perseverance, purpose, and mental health resources play at the highest levels of competition and within our own community.

This elevated dinner program will bring guests closer to the mission through powerful storytelling, meaningful dialogue, and a shared commitment to expanding access to mental and behavioral health services.

Denim and Diamonds event guests gathered in the reception area at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Children’s Hospital supporting pediatric mental health initiatives

An Intimate Evening

Pediatric waiting area at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center designed to provide a welcoming environment for children and families receiving care

With extremely limited seating, Denim & Diamonds Spotlight offers a unique opportunity for early sponsors to engage in a more personal and impactful event setting. This one-of-a-kind evening is available exclusively to early sponsors and provides an inspiring prelude to the larger Denim & Diamonds Bash.

Featured Speakers

Katie Ledecky, most decorated female swimmer in history, featured speaker for Denim and Diamonds Spotlight supporting pediatric mental health at Luminis Health

Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky is the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in history and one of the most accomplished swimmers of all time. A 14-time Olympic Medalist, including nine gold medals, and a 21-time World Championship Gold Medalist, she has set numerous world and American records throughout her career.

In 2024, Katie became the first woman in Olympic history to win the same individual event at four consecutive Olympic Games. Her achievements in international competition, collegiate athletics at Stanford University, and global leadership in sport have earned her widespread recognition, including multiple Female Athlete of the Year honors and a New York Times bestselling memoir, Just Add Water.

Beyond competition, Katie is deeply committed to advancing education initiatives, particularly in STEM and leadership development for girls.

Chris Wallace, award-winning broadcast journalist and moderator for Denim and Diamonds Spotlight supporting pediatric mental health at Luminis Health

Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace is a veteran broadcast journalist with more than five decades of award-winning experience. He is the former anchor of CNN programming and host of Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? on HBO Max.

Known for his incisive and balanced interviewing style, Wallace has covered every major political event of the modern era and has interviewed world leaders, business executives, and cultural figures across multiple networks including FOX News, ABC News, and NBC News.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Wallace has received numerous honors including Emmy Awards, the Peabody Award, and the DuPont-Columbia Silver Baton. His seasoned perspective on current events, media, and public leadership continues to inform national conversations.

The Night Shines Brighter With You

There are so many meaningful ways to be part of the Denim & Diamonds Bash. Whether by attending the event, joining us as a sponsor or committee member, making a donation, or simply helping spread the word about this important cause, every act of support makes an impact. 

From all of us at LHAAMC and the LHAAMC Foundation Board of Directors, thank you for your generosity, your care, and your commitment to brighter, healthier futures for all.

Denim and Diamonds Bash event setup with decorated tables, chairs, and informational sign with QR code supporting pediatric mental health at Luminis Health