2026 Honorees
Our 2026 Pillars of Justice
Honorees Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Kelly Tubman Hardy, Reginald Dwayne Betts, and Seth Waxman exemplify Appleseed’s vision of a more just world—where human rights are defended, health equity is prioritized, and access to justice is expanded through tireless advocacy and service. We are proud to celebrate this year's Pillars of Justice on September 24, 2026, at the National Union Building in Washington, D.C.
Our 2026 Advocate of the Year
Carla
Crowder
Meet our 2026 Advocate of the Year, Carla Crowder of Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, who has spent decades fighting mass incarceration and advancing second chances.
Our 2026 Rising Star of the Year
Haley
Kottler
Meet our 2026 Rising Star of the Year, Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed who is leading powerful, practical work to strengthen food access for families across her state.
About Pillars of Justice
Celebrating champions for justice & equality
The Pillars of Justice Awards Celebration, hosted by the Appleseed Foundation, is an annual event that honors extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing justice and equality.
2026 Event Sponsors
Visionary Sponsors
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Our Pillars of Justice
Past Honorees
Past recipients of Appleseed's Pillar of Justice Award are champions of social justice, human rights, and equity.
Steven Schulman
Agnieszka Fryszman
Dr. James Hildreth
Sherrilyn Ifill
Jamie Levitt
Wade J. Henderson
Maya Wiley
Markus Green & Pfizer
Raymond Lin
NFL Foundation & Players Coalition
John Johnson
Law Firm Antiracism Alliance
2026 Event Sponsorship
Interested in sponsoring Pillars in 2026?
Sponsoring the Pillars of Justice Celebration gives you the opportunity to showcase your commitment to justice and equity to a diverse audience of community leaders. Your sponsorship helps Appleseed extend its reach to more families in need, and it includes event tickets, promotional recognition, and year-long visibility on the Appleseed Foundation website, depending on your level of contribution.
What sponsorship levels are available for the Pillars of Justice Awards Celebration?
We offer four sponsorship levels: Presenting ($50,000), Visionary ($25,000), Sustainer ($10,000), and Investor ($5,000). Each level comes with unique benefits, including event tickets, recognition, promotional opportunities, and visibility on Appleseed's website and event materials. Learn more here.
How will my sponsorship be recognized at the event?
Depending on the sponsorship level, your support will be recognized in various ways, such as acknowledgment by the MC during the event, placement in press releases, and inclusion in promotional materials like posters, slideshows, and event programs. The Presenting Sponsor receives the highest level of visibility, with designation on all event materials.
Can I make my sponsorship contribution online?
Yes, sponsorship contributions can be made online. Simply visit sponsor.pillarsofjustice.org to complete your contribution securely. You can also pay by check or ACH/Wire Transfer. For wire transfers, contact spacilio@appleseednetwork.org for more information.