Annual Gala Raised $636,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region
Ellen and Jim Dyke were recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their history of passionate leadership and philanthropy with the 2018 Community Leadership Award at the Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
The Community Leadership Award is the longest standing community-based recognition award in Northern Virginia. The award is presented annually for outstanding commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia raised $636,000 and hosted 650 business leaders, philanthropists and community organizers at this year’s event. It also celebrated its 40th anniversary, with more than $50 million in grants and scholarships distributed to respond to critical need and seed innovation in our region and beyond since its inception in 1978.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Virginia House Speaker Kirk Cox, Delegate Mark Keam, and many other elected officials and dignitaries attended the event. In recognition of the Community Foundation's 40 years of impact, the event also paid tribute to former Community Foundation board and staff members, prior gala honorees, donors, and volunteers.
“We were pleased to honor Ellen and Jim Dyke with the 2018 Community Leadership Award,” said Eileen Ellsworth, Community Foundation President and CEO. “Their outstanding community leadership and home-grown philanthropy has made a difference in so many lives in our region. Something very special is happening in Northern Virginia. We love this place and want to see it continue to grow and thrive. We feel a deep personal desire to play a meaningful role in the continuous re-creation, re-imagination and reengagement of our community. We are literally building the future of our region, together,” added Ellsworth.
Along with the dinner and award ceremony, guests at the Raise the Region Gala participated in live and silent auctions that included luxury gifts, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, date nights, quick getaways, and more. The live auction offered luxury vacations in Colorado, Florida, and more.
Matthew Quinn, Executive Vice President of Quinn’s Auction Galleries, served as the event Auctioneer.
Support for the Community Foundation’s Raise the Region Gala was provided by Challenge Sponsor, John and Virginia Chapel; Vanguard Sponsors Dewberry, and Inova Health System; and Visionary Sponsors including an Anonymous donor in honor of the Military Personnel & Their Families Fund, and the John and Nina Toups Charitable Fund.
To view photos from the Raise the Region 2018 Gala please visit https://photos.app.goo.gl/jrYZD4Febpb88hLHA.
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