Support the Freedom to Express:
The HeART of Community
A Celebration of Art & Community
- Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Venue: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
You still have the opportunity to support the mission.
Thank You for Joining us at the Freedom to Express: The HeART of Community Gala!
We had an unforgettable evening at the HeART of Community Gala, where excitement and inspiration collided. Attendees were captivated by breathtaking performances from trailblazing young artists, including visual and spoken word talents, dancers, and vocalists.
As we enjoyed the mesmerizing acts, we celebrated the unwavering dedication of our exemplary supporters and organizations that advocate for the essential nurturing and empowerment of childhood. We were honored to spotlight Life Pieces to Masterpieces for their transformative work in using artistic expression to amplify the voices of young people. Hosting this extraordinary night were Emmy award-winning anchor Allison Seymour and esteemed media personality Marc Clarke. It was an incredible celebration in support of artistic expression for youth in the region and those served by NCCF!
The Power of Art -
Healing Lives
Artistic expression and cultural experiences have an incredible power to inspire self-discovery and confidence, adaptability and recovery, and realization of infinite possibilities. Through Freedom to Express The HeART of Community, we aim to emphasize the profound impact of the arts on young lives.
Nurturing Invisible Talent
By supporting our event, you directly nurture the artistic talents of impoverished and displaced children, providing them with opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have. Together, we can unlock their potential and make a lasting impact on their lives.
Arts Equity for All
All children, including those historically underrepresented, deserve access to arts and culturally enriching experiences. Our mission is to bridge the gap and ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the transformative benefits of artistic expression and exploration.
SPECIAL GUESTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
NCCF’s brightest stars, powerhouse artists and media trailblazers, including:
Allison Seymour
Mistress of Ceremonies
Marc Clarke
Master of Ceremonies
Doug Kammerer
Honorary Co-Chair
Brianna Stoute
Honorary Co-Chair
Life Pieces to Master Pieces
Featured Special Guest
Wootton Acatonics
Youth Performer
Dance Dimensions
Youth Performer
Saniya Pearson
Youth Performer
Marc Anthony Fitzgerald
Youth Performer
DJ Sophia Rocks
Celebrity DJ
Allison Seymour
Mistress of Ceremonies
Marc Clarke
Master of Ceremonies
Doug Kammerer
Honorary Co-Chair
Brianna Stoute
Honorary Co-Chair
Life Pieces to Master Pieces
Featured Special Guest
Wootton Acatonics
Youth Performer
Dance Dimensions
Youth Performer
Poetry S.A.P.
Youth Performer
Marc Anthony Fitzgerald
Youth Performer
DJ Sophia Rocks
Celebrity DJ
HONOREES
Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent,
Fairfax County Public Schools Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award
Marriott International
Humanitarian Spirit Award for Volunteerism
Petula Dvorak
Columnist,
The Washington Post Champion in Our Midst Award
Rodell Jones
John F. White Alumni Award
Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent,
Fairfax County Public Schools
Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award
Marriott International
Humanitarian Spirit Award for Volunteerism
Petula Dvorak
Columnist,
The Washington Post
Champion in Our Midst Award
Rodell Jones
John F. White Alumni Award
Honorary Co-Chairs
Brianna Stoute
Broadway Actress, Singer & Dancer
Doug Kammerer
Chief Meteorologist, NBC4 Washington
HONORARY COMMITTEE
Marc Elrich
Montgomery County Executive
Marc Korman
Maryland Delegate
Andrew Friedson
Montgomery County Council
Laurie Anne Sayles
Montgomery County Council
Will Jawando
Montgomery County Council
Jamie Raskin
U.S. Congress
Marc Elrich
Montgomery County Executive
Andrew Friedson
Montgomery County Council
Will Jawando
Montgomery County Council
Marc Korman
Maryland Delegate
Laurie Anne Sayles
Montgomery County Council
Jamie Raskin
U.S. Congress
Isiah & Catherine Leggett
Host Committee
Beau Brade
Patrice Brickman
Sara Jane & Brian Harris
Michael & Vicki Herson
Stacy Isenberg
Russell & Leila Phillips
Sandra Powell
Julie & Chad Sweet
Your support will:
- Empower invisible and impoverished children by nurturing their artistic talents, and self-discovery, and providing them with tools for self-expression and personal growth.
- Foster a sense of pride and accomplishment among these children, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
- Create a more inclusive and equitable society by ensuring every child, regardless of their background, can access arts and cultural experiences.
Together, let’s celebrate the artistic talents of the children in our community and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Help us unlock their potential and make a lasting impact on their lives through the transformative power of the arts and experiences.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Artistry Sponsor
Brickman Family Foundation
Phil & Janis Schiff
Rhythm Sponsor
Michael & Vicki Herson
Rich & Donna Mahan
Greg Coleman & Allison Alexander
Michael & Sonia Barros
Scott & Karen Nudelman
Sheryl Brissett Chapman & Mamadou A. Seck
Stacy & Seth Silber
Verse Sponsor
Lewis & Tiffany Askew
Ralph & Lisa Belk
Phillip & Valerie Brown
Mohammed Doka
Jackson Payne Buckner Fund
Norman & Joan Glasgow
Stanley Martin Homes
Matthew & Cindy Osnos
Rob & Susan Schaefer
Safisha Mance Thomas
Harmony Sponsor
Walker & Dunlop
Alliant Insurance Services, INC.
Arlene Selber & Wayne Anmuth
Chevy Chase Trust
Cohnreznick, LLP
Judy & Roger Brown
Leila & Russell Phillips
Neal & Maria Smith
Ted & Gloria Daniels
The Poyatt & Spassiani Families
Janelle & Zach Martinez
Community Patron
Kermit & Shamala Littlefield
Mary Beth & Doug McDaniel
Kim Margaret Watson
Betsy Lamond
Krystal & Jason Davis
Roig Communications, LLC
Wellpoint
Wendy Frost
Jermaine & Kristen Lemons
Supporting Artist
Lerch, Early & Brewer
Leslie And Paul Kiernan
Jackie & Jerome Wynn
Jair Lynch & Jocelyn Sigue
Montgomery College
Paul Kennedy
Friend of the Arts
Jennifer McAleer
Frank Hardesty
Tim & Trisha Miller Manarin
Toyin & Samuel Isichei
Laurie Yang
Art Enthusiast
Janet Goldberg
Stacy Isenberg
Astril Webb
Adam August
Ashlee Schroth
Creative Jestures
Deidra Reed
Dr. Dennis E. Lambert
Leni & Ned Preston
Marc & Rebecca Korman
Hamid Noshirvani
Embrace You Wellness
Join us for Freedom to Express
The HeART of Community and be a part of this meaningful journey of change.
Produced by The Institute for Mastery & Integration (IMI)
This event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.
