Annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala Raises Record Funds and Engages Over 100 Donors to Support Critical Needs in Northern Virginia
Richard Duvall, a partner at Holland & Knight LLP in the Government Contracts and Litigations practices, and the Holland & Knight firm were be recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their philanthropic leadership in the Northern Virginia area with the 2014 Community Leadership Award. The longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia that honors outstanding community service, it was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala on October 10, 2014 at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.Co-chaired by Stuart Mendelsohn of Holland & Knight and Hilary Fordwich of Strelmark, LLC, the Gala hosted over 600 philanthropic, business, and community leaders and raised approximately $490,000 to support the Community Foundation’s ongoing work in areas of critical need in Northern Virginia. In honor of the centennial celebration of community foundations in America, over 100 Foundation guests participated in the “Stand Up and Pledge” helping the organization raise record funds. These funds directly support the Community Foundation, its work, impact, and capacity to grow philanthropy to meet the most critical needs of the Northern Virginia region.
Along with the dinner and award ceremony, guests at the gala participated in live and silent auctions to benefit the Community Foundation’s work in the region. The silent auction included luxury gifts, quick getaways, themed baskets, souvenirs for the Sports Fan, and more! The live auction offered unique experiences such as a trips to Venice, England, Lake Tahoe and Steamboat Springs; a Pig Picking and Oyster Roast for 60 guests; and a Baja Racing Adventure package.
“Richard Duvall and Holland & Knight are models of outstanding volunteer service in the region,” said Eileen Ellsworth, President of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. “They have had a profound impact on the organizations with which they have been involved. Their dedication to supporting local needs demonstrates the incredible value they place on community service, and I was delighted to bring the work and accomplishments of Richard Duvall and Holland & Knight LLP into the spotlight by honoring them with this year’s Community Leadership Award.”
Support for the Community Foundation’s Sweet Home Virginia Gala is provided by Presenting Sponsor, Holland & Knight LLP, and from Platinum Sponsors ACADEMI, Booz Allen Hamilton, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, and David and Carol Young.
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