We are honored to welcome Melissa and Dick as our 2026 Honorary Chairs.

DESC Defenders is the signature fundraiser for the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council. The event has been held since 2019 and brings together donors, volunteers and staff who believe in standing together for our community. Our collective efforts have raised more than $1.5 million in six years of support of DESC’s mission.

This year, the theme “Stand Together” represents all individuals and groups who make up DESC. Donors, volunteers, staff and clients. Together we’ve built a strong force against the ongoing fight against poverty, and only together can we continue to help our neighbors.

More than a fundraiser, DESC Defenders is about sharing a deeper understanding of the real challenges faced by individuals experiencing chronic poverty. Each year attendees gain insight into the lives of those we serve through interactive displays and presentations.

All funds raised go directly toward sustaining DESC’s vital programs and services, ensuring we can continue our mission for generations to come.