Annual Gala Raises $570,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region
(Oakton, VA) – Major General Carl H. McNair, Jr. (RET) of Springfield, Virginia has been awarded the 2019 Community Leadership Award presented by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. General McNair was recognized for his lifetime of community leadership, public service, and philanthropy during 2019 Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
This award is the longest standing community- based recognition award in Northern Virginia and is presented annually for outstanding commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians.“Major General Carl McNair is a local hero. He had a remarkably distinguished 32 years career in the Air Force followed by the same in the private sector. We could not be more pleased to honor Major General McNair with the 2019 Community Leadership Award,” said Eileen Ellsworth, President, and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. “He’s one of the most generous local philanthropists Northern Virginia has ever seen,” stated Ellsworth.
“When you talk about character, competence, and commitment Carl epitomizes that for all of us. He’s been an absolute role model for me and everyone in the community. He’s lived a life that I think most of us would love to live,” said Phil Panzarella, COO Easterseals DC MD VA.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia raised $570,000 and hosted more than 600 business leaders, philanthropists, and community organizers at this year’s Raise the Region Gala. The funds will be used to respond to the critical needs in the Northern Virginia community. Honorary Chairman Ki Ko Kang, CEO of KIHOMAC, along with many other local officials and dignitaries were in attendance. This year’s theme was ‘Building A Community that Works for Everyone.’
Along with a dinner, raffle, and award ceremony, guests at the Raise the Region Gala participated in live and silent auctions, that included luxury gifts, date nights, adventure getaways to Florida, Colorado, and more.
Matthew Quinn, Executive Vice President of Quinn’s Auction Galleries, served as the event Auctioneer.
Support for the Community Foundation’s 2019 Raise the Region Gala is provided by Challenge Sponsor Phil and Susan Nolan; Vanguard Sponsor KIHOMAC; Salute our Veterans Sponsor Anonymous Donor in honor of the Military Personnel & Their Families Fund; Visionary Sponsors including Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Inova, and the John and Nina Toups Charitable Fund; Auction Sponsor Cathexis.
For a complete list of sponsors please visit our website here:
To view Raise the Region 2019 Gala photos click here.
The Community Foundation and Maj. Gen. McNair videos can be viewed here.
About Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia helps grows philanthropy to respond to critical needs, seed innovation, and lead and convene in the community. Comprised of donor-advised funds, permanent funds, giving circles, and other charitable endowments, the Community Foundation is committed to building a community that works for everyone.
In 2019 the Community Foundation awarded more than $5.4 million in grants and scholarships and now reports $71 million in managed philanthropic assets.
For more information please visit us at www.cfnova.org, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityFoundationforNOVA/, Twitter https://twitter.com/CFNova, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/communityfoundationfornova/.
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