Together for a Safer Childhood: NCMEC Celebrates Stories of Hope

Lights, applause, and a shared sense of purpose filled the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery last night as NCMEC welcomed honorees, advocates and supporters for the 2025 Hope Gala. The evening celebrated powerful stories and the impact of a community united by a single mission: a safer childhood for every child.

“At NCMEC, we face difficult and sometimes heartbreaking realities,” said NCMEC CEO Michelle DeLaune, who opened the evening. “But, even in the face of that, the team at NCMEC is—without question—the most hopeful, determined group of people you’ll ever meet. Their compassion, their courage, and their belief in the possibility of a safer world for children inspires me every day.”

The night began with a first-of-its-kind honoree: a four-legged champion for children, Kuno the K9. During his seven years with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department in Michigan, Kuno and his handler, Deputy Eric Calhoun, safely located five missing children. Though he retired in 2024, NCMEC proudly recognized Kuno and Deputy Calhoun for their extraordinary ability to find children.

NCMEC CEO Michelle DeLaune alongside Deputy Eric Calhoun and Kuno the K9. (Credit: NCMEC)

The spotlight then shifted to a group of Texas women who turned a simple question, “How can we help?” into action. In 2023, seven friends—Lindsay Buchholz, Kristina Lackey, Teri Fox, Brittany Goswami, Daisa Hoffman, Karen Quintos, and Tara Termeer—launched Saddle Up for Kids, an annual NCMEC fundraising event to fight human trafficking and child exploitation. NCMEC honored these women for showing how one idea, fueled by determination and compassion, can become a powerful force for change.

The Saddle Up for Kids Commitee: Brittany Goswami, Tara Termeer, Lindsay Buchholz, Kristina Lackey, and Teri Fox. (Credit: NCMEC)

Determination also defined the night’s next honoree, introduced by NCMEC’s Callahan Walsh. Francesca Mani was only 14 when she became a victim of deepfake nude imagery created and circulated by a classmate. Joined by her mother, Dorota, Francesca took her experience to lawmakers, speaking out against generative AI exploitation and advocating for real solutions to protect children—a message that was instrumental in the passing of the Take It Down Act earlier this year. 

Francesca Mani, Dorota Mani, and Callahan Walsh. (Credit: NCMEC)

NCMEC co-founder John Walsh then announced the final honorees, Erika Ramirez and her niece and nephew, Kahmila and Luis Jr.

In 2018, 5-year-old Luis Jr. Ramirez and 6-month-old Kahmila Ramirez were abducted from an Arizona playground by their non-custodial parents, who faced charges including sexual exploitation, child abuse and creation of CSAM. The pair fled to Mexico with the children and were gone for years. After Erika worked with NCMEC to get media attention about her niece and nephew’s abduction, the search for Luis Jr. and Kahmila made national headlines, appearing on “On Patrol: Live” and “America’s Most Wanted.” With support from multiple law enforcement agencies and NCMEC, Luis Jr. and Kahmila were finally recovered six years later.

NCMEC honored Erika, Luis Jr., and Kahmila for their courage, perseverance and unwavering hope.

“Thank you for being there with me every step of the way,” said Erika Ramirez. “Thank you to everyone here for making it your life’s journey to help children and families in desperate need of a miracle. Luis and Kahmila stand here today as a testament that holding on to hope really does make a difference.”

NCMEC co-founder John Walsh on stage with Erika Ramirez, Luis Jr., Kahmila, and Callahan Walsh. (Credit: NCMEC)

From four-legged heroes to determined advocates and families who never gave up hope, the 2025 Hope Gala reminded the audience that every act of courage, big or small, can create lasting change. The night celebrated the power of resilience and reminded us that, together, we can continue making the world a safer place for every child.