The Trust for the National Mall Welcomes Supporters, Friends and Champions to the Fall Ball for the Mall
Ball for the Mall Returns featuring the Trust for the national mall History, Heroes & Hope Awards
For the first time since 2019, the Trust for the National Mall was honored to gather in person with its partners and champions for its signature BALL for THE MALL to recognize and support the Trust’s work with the National Park Service on America’s Front Yard. The Trust presented its 2022 History, Heroes & Hope Awards at the BALL, which was held at the Waldorf Astoria and Old Post Office Clock Tower overlooking the National Mall on October 4, 2022.
The Trust for the National Mall also announced that planning is underway for its 2023 BALL for THE MALL, coming in MAY 2023! SIGN UP TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON BALL for THE MALL 2023 HERE.
Trust partners and key supporters gathered in the Lincoln Library for the Chairman’s Reception, where Trust Board Member Georgette “Gigi” Dixon and Trust Founder and Chairman, John “Chip” Akridge III shared welcome remarks from the podium, and guests toured the Old Post Office Clock Tower to enjoy views overlooking the National Mall. The tours were led by National Mall volunteers provided by the National Park Service and Trust for the National Mall Volunteer-in-Parks Program. The volunteer-docents shared engaging background and facts about the historic Clock Tower — the second-highest building in Washington, D.C. — as guests overlooked sweeping vistas of the city and the National Mall at twilight.
During the BALL for THE MALL Welcome Reception, attendees relished the opportunity to connect and chat with friends old and new and celebrate the Trust for the National Mall’s work with the National Park Service on the National Mall. The energy continued to build as guests entered the stunning ballroom, featuring beautiful backdrop images of the National Mall for the evening’s program.
CNN Anchor Abby Phillip served as Emcee and shared some fond memories of the National Mall as one of the formative places that taught her the value of civics and our “duty to each other as citizens.” Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust, welcomed guests and talked about some of the exciting developments as well as the great progress the Trust has made with the National Park Service this year and as we gear up for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, sure to be a momentous occasion.
“Our partnership with the National Park Service began over 15 years ago and in that time we achieved so much together. Thanks to the support of all of you here this evening, we are ensuring that the National Mall continues to be a place that is vibrant, sustainable, inclusive and engaging for current and future generations. Thank you.” — Catherine Townsend, President & CEO Trust for the National Mall
National Mall & Memorial Parks Superintendent Jeffrey Reinbold addressed the crowd, sharing gratitude for the Trust for the National Mall and its supporters and partners that help restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall. The Superintendent also shared excitement for the road ahead to the 250th anniversary of the U.S., noting that the National Mall is the place where “we become US.”
“The National Mall is where the nation comes together to celebrate, to learn and to remember. The National Mall connects us to our history, but also to each other and to future generations. Where we become US. And nowhere will that be on display more than the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. We have big plans to prepare the National Mall to be center stage as the country comes together. Thank you to all who make that work possible.” — Jeffrey Reinbold, Superintendent National Mall and Memorial Parks
Trust for the National Mall CEO Catherine Townsend was joined by Katie Couric, via video address, to announce that Humana Inc. and the Humana Foundation have joined the Trust as champions and partners in support of the National Mall and to help prepare the iconic space for the grand celebration of American independence in 2026. President & CEO of Humana Bruce Broussard highlighted Humana’s support and his personal commitment to restoring and preserving the health of the National Mall as a symbol of the greatness of our nation.
“As champions for the National Mall, Humana and the Humana Foundation are partnering with the Trust for the National Mall to preserve a place where everyone has the opportunity to connect, be active, and live their healthiest lives. The National Mall is open and accessible to all with no barriers to entry, and Humana is focused on removing barriers to good health for all Americans by addressing food insecurity, nutrition and social isolation.” - Bruce Broussard, President & CEO Humana Inc, Trust Board Member
CNN’s Abby Phillip introduced our History, Heroes & Hope Awards —individuals who embody the ideals of the National Mall in their dedication to unity, equality, community engagement, the arts and activism. Sharon Percy Rockefeller, longtime advocate for the arts and public policy and President & CEO of WETA-TV, received a History, Heroes & Hope award from former Trust honoree and Premier Partner David M. Rubenstein. Mrs. Rockefeller spoke about the unique quality of the National Mall — sharing that she believes the National Mall stands as a “visual symbol of what we idealize as a country.”
Celebrated composer and artist Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, New York Times best-selling author and columnist, received a History, Heroes & Hope award in recognition of their activism and work to do good and promote equality and unity. In accepting the award via video, the couple emphasized the importance of the National Mall and “spaces in our national milieu that are about gathering and togetherness.” Longtime Trust supporter and member of the Trust Leadership Council and friend of the couple Dan McGinn accepted the award on their behalf and shared their personal thanks with the audience.
The Trust was thrilled to gather our key supporters, corporate partners and philanthropists to celebrate overlooking the National Mall. Thank you to those who joined us—as well as those who were there in spirit and well-wishes—for supporting the important work that the Trust for the National Mall is accomplishing in its mission and in partnership with the National Park Service to restore, preserve, and enrich the historic legacy and vibrant future of America’s Front Yard.
To cap off the evening, guests enjoyed champagne, coffee and dessert before taking home Washington, D.C. cherry-blossom themed chocolates…and a Save the Date card for BALL for THE MALL 2023. Stay tuned for special announcements and details coming soon!
Photo Gallery
Photos by Tony Powell.
