Congressional Award Special Events

Members of Congress host several special events and receptions throughout the year to thank supporters and partners of the Congressional Award Foundation. In addition to the Annual Golf Tournament and Charity Poker Event, the Foundation holds an annual Youth Wellness Dinner and Youth and Technology Dinner. In 2012, the Foundation will also hold its first annual Youth and the Great Outdoors Dinner, which will focus on preserving and exploring our nation’s parks and natural wonders.

In addition to these core events, the Congressional Award Foundation hosts State Dinners and Receptions on a rotating basis to raise awareness of program activities in that particular state. These events are all held in Washington, DC. Members of Congress join us as our special guests to help thank the contributors from these states and to forge new state partnerships that will enhance the program.

Special awards are often presented to the individuals from these states who have displayed outstanding commitment to improving the lives of our nation’s young people. Recognition is also given to partnering organizations for providing critical support in the Congressional Award Foundation’s efforts to make the Congressional Award a national opportunity. Recent honorees include former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum, and former Senator David Pryor.

Periodically, special events are held to celebrate Congressional Award milestones, such as the recent Senate Leadership Reception chaired by Senator Harry Reid and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Reception chaired by Congressman James Oberstar.