RELEASE: Trust for the National Mall Officially Kicks Off America's 250th Anniversary with Monumental 'AMERICA'S BALL for THE MALL'

Monday, May 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

**TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH MONUMENTAL ‘AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL’**

Gala Honors Gary Sinise Foundation and Olympic Gold Medalist Elana Meyers Taylor, Surprises Wounded Veteran with Adapted Vehicle, and Kicks Off America's 250th with Patriotic Finale

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Thursday, May 7, the Trust for the National Mall, an official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, hosted its annual gala, AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL, welcoming more than 700 distinguished partners and supporters to celebrate America’s Front Yard and kicking off the nation's 250th anniversary. Led by event co-chairs Georgette "Gigi" Dixon, Stacy Kerr, and Katie & Robby Zirkelbach and emceed by CBS News’ Norah O'Donnell, the monumental event on the Mall ignited the spirit of the Semiquincentennial, setting the stage for a historic season of celebrations that will culminate on the National Mall on the Fourth of July.

Trust for the National Mall President and CEO Catherine Townsend and Board Chair Bruce Broussard celebrated the momentum of Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall – a fundraising initiative that restores, preserves and elevates the National Mall for America’s 250th birthday and beyond.

“The incredible energy and support we witnessed tonight perfectly captures the spirit of this monumental year and how important private donations are in strengthening our mission,” said Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. “The National Mall is an iconic and powerful symbol of our shared history. Especially as it takes center stage for America’s 250th anniversary, it is vital that we ensure it remains a vibrant, welcoming civic space for generations to come and we are grateful for all who support America’s Front Yard.”

The 2026 History, Heroes & Hope Awards were presented to the Gary Sinise Foundation and six-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor. This signature award honors individuals and organizations whose significant achievements represent the enduring ideals and patriotic spirit of the National Mall.

“I am honored to receive this award and to bring this gold medal back to the National Mall, the Nation’s Front Yard, where my Olympic dreams first began at the George Washington University,” said Elana Meyers Taylor. The Trust’s commitment to care for the Mall and preserve our history is remarkable and vitally important, thank you, all.”

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award. The National Mall stands as a living tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. While we can never fully repay the debt we owe these brave service members like Captain Avila, we can strive to do more to honor their legacy – and it is our privilege to do just that at the Gary Sinise Foundation,” said Gary Sinise, Actor, Humanitarian and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Honoring the National Mall’s profound legacy of recognizing service and sacrifice, lead sponsor Wells Fargo, continuing its long history of partnering with organizations to donate payment-free homes and vehicles to military veterans, joined with the Gary Sinise Foundation to present a life-changing, custom-adapted vehicle to U.S. Army Captain Luis Avila, who was critically injured in the line of duty in Afghanistan, and his wife, Claudia.

Throughout the night, featured speakers delivered compelling reflections on the history of the Fourth of July and the significance of our public lands. The Honorable Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron shared remarks about the significance of the National Mall during the 250th.

"The National Mall is America’s front yard - a symbol of our nation's history, unity and the enduring promise of our future," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "It was an honor to participate in America’s Ball for the Mall, recognizing the dedicated work of our National Park Service and partners as they prepare the National Mall for America’s 250th birthday celebration, when we expect a record number of visitors to our nation’s capital. Investing in the Mall is an investment in America itself, and it is partners like the Trust for the National Mall that make these once-in-a-generation moments possible."

Renowned philanthropist and prior Trust honoree David M. Rubenstein spoke powerfully about the meaning of the Fourth of July and our shared responsibility to preserve the National Mall for the next generation. Rubenstein also shared a museum grade, archival print of the Declaration of Independence, which was on display during the event. Prior Trust honoree and Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris shared remarks and presented this year’s History, Heroes & Hope Award to Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor.

The evening concluded with a musical finale led by acclaimed Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, who closed out the event with a moving performance of "America the Beautiful,” amidst a shower of red, white and blue confetti.

The Trust for the National Mall shares its deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us at the gala and continues to support our mission during this monumental year. As momentum builds toward the historic Fourth of July, we invite the public to join us in our ongoing work to preserve America's Front Yard, ensuring this national treasure endures and inspires in 2026 and for generations to come. Join us on the Road to 250!

Learn more and make your gift to Our Monumental Moment today.

Media Contact:
Julie Moore

Vice President of Communications
jmoore@nationalmall.org