(First Lady, Michelle Obama
gives keynote address during greater DC Cares 20th anniversary luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel).
June 17, 2009 - First Lady Michelle
Obama was the keynote speaker at Tuesday’s Greater DC Cares 2009 Business and Nonprofit Philanthropy Summit and Awards
where she admonished the crowd of over 500 at the Washington Renaissance Hotel to continue helping our communities.
First Lady is a product of Chicago public
schools, and a graduate of Harvard Law School.
“She is truly committed to making
a difference. She is authentic, she made a career in public service,” noted
President and CEO of Greater DC Cares, Madye Henson.
“With her background and her passion
it was clear to us at Greater DC Cares that there was no one else who could serve as our 20th anniversary keynote
speaker.”
The First Lady, known for her fashion
sense, emerged from behind dark curtains wearing a black knee-length skirt with a white and black quarter length sleeved jacket,
accented with a clear high-waisted belt and fuchsia blouse.
After the thunderous audience applause,
that lasted for more than two minutes, Mrs. Obama spoke to the crowd that included the area’s leaders in business and
philanthropy on a subject that is near and dear to her – volunteerism.
“I’m here essentially today
to just say thank all of you for the work that you’ve done and to celebrate all of your accomplishments to help D.C.
“As the President has said, America
is facing some of the greatest challenges it’s faced in generations, and as a result Washington can only do so much.
There’s only so much government can do. Communities are built and
rebuilt by brilliant people. Those working in businesses, philanthropists, foundations,
and volunteers - all of them coming together to find solutions to these crisis and challenges", said the First Lady.
"During these times we’re going
to need everyone to rededicate themselves to this kind of community building, and I’m going to need people to basically
take hold of this kind of effort and service, to make a personal commitment to helping get this country back on the right
direction.”
The First Lady, who has seen the needs
of those of country, and just as important, the needs of those in the city where she, her husband, and two daughters now reside. Whether it be lending a hand at Mirriams Kitchen , or admonishing Americans to take part in the The National Day of Service, Mrs. Obama knows that helping hands are what help make a country better.
“Ordinary people can do some extraordinary
things”, added the First Lady. “People really want to get involved.”
Doing extraordinary things is what DC
Cares is all about. Greater DC Cares works with a network of more than 500 nonprofits,
twelve thousand volunteers, and a host of corporate and foundation partners, working together to positively impact the region.
As Brearn Wright, current principal
of Trusdale Elementary school points out, “Being a principal is a difficult task.
But it’s made easier by the fact that I have, by my side, a true partner like Greater DC Cares.” Wright stated that over 100 volunteers assisted with painting the school, building book shelves, furnishing
the school, building a student internet center, and parent-student lounge.
“The heroes were those 100 volunteers
who spent a portion of their summer giving back to their community.”
Earlier in the afternoon the organization
celebrated by awarding those in business and community for their service efforts in areas of social value leadership, community
impact (non profit), community impact (business), and others. The Spirit of Service
Grant, a $10,000 grant awarded by Deloitte LLP, is awarded to strengthen the capacity of a nonprofit organization that is
significantly impacting their community.
WJLA’s news anchor, Maureen Bunyan
was the afternoon’s emcee.
Other speakers on the day included Catherine
Martens, president and CEO of Make A Wish Foundation and GDCC chairman Board of Directors (and Capital One Human Resources Officer), Matthew
Schuyler.
Learn more at www.dc-cares.org.
