October 30, 2013
2013 Sweet Home Virginia Gala

Raises Funds to Support Local Critical Needs

J. Hamilton Lambert, former Fairfax County Executive and current Executive Director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, was honored with the 2013 Community Leadership award for his visionary leadership in the Northern Virginia region. The award was presented at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2013 Sweet Home Virginia Gala on October 25, 2013 at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Former Virginia Congressman, Tom Davis, presented Lambert with the award. He was one of many community leaders featured in a tribute video who all recognized that Lambert had not received the credit he deserved for his work in the development of Fairfax County.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala hosts over 600 philanthropic, business, and community leaders to celebrate the charitable work done by the Community Foundation and to raise funds – over $440,000 this year - to support the Foundation’s ongoing work in areas of critical need.

J. Hamilton Lambert’s leadership resulted in Fairfax County’s greatest economic growth, while creating a sustainable quality of life for Fairfax citizens. He has devoted much of his life to supporting the Northern Virginia community by serving for over thirty organizations, including the George Mason University Foundation, Virginia International University, Center for Excellence in Education – Admiral H. Rickover Foundation, Loudoun County Day School, and Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

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, souvenirs for the Sports Fan, and more! The live auction offered unique experiences such as a holiday home decorating and catered dinner, the opportunity to attend fighter pilot school, and an African safari trip.

The 2013 Sweet Home Virginia Gala celebrated the Community Foundation’s 35-year history of partnering with donors to increase the impact of their giving in the Northern Virginia region.