Gold 2008
The 2008 Gold Medal Ceremony took place on June 19th in the Capitol Complex, recognizing 236 Gold Medalists for their accomplishments. 

To honor all of the Gold Medalists, a Gold Medal Recognition Dinner was held at the Ronald Reagan Building. That night, we also recognized the 2008 Horizon Awardees, Mr. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and actor and philanthropist, Mr. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The Leadership Award was presented to First Lady Laura Bush. Mrs. Elaine Steinbacher of Pennsylvania was also recognized with the Inspiration Award. The law firm of White & Case was recognized for their support with the Corporate Commitment Award.

The 2008 Gold Events were a huge success and we look forward to planning next year’s ceremony along with the Award’s 30th Anniversary. The National Office will also host a week-long program in DC for 2009 Gold Medalists who attend the Ceremony.

We will notify all Gold Medalists of the 2009 events once everything is confirmed at the beginning of next year. The following deadlines have been set for the 2009 Gold Medal Ceremony:

February 1st: If you would like to be considered for the 2009 Gold Ceremony, ALL Gold Medal Record Books must be postmarked or faxed to the National Office.

March 15th: Any requested revisions must be postmarked or faxed to the National Office.

April 17th: Week-Long RSVP form and payment must be postmarked to the National Office. Thanks to Donors and Sponsors, the National Office may provide need based scholarships for youth that could not otherwise afford the cost of the program. Scholarship requests must be submitted by April 1st. The scholarships for the 2008 week-long program were graciously provided by FMC Corporation.

May 1st: ALL RSVP forms must be postmarked, faxed or emailed to the National Office. Biographies must be emailed to Gold @congressionalaward.org.

Joanna wanted to improve her overall health for Physical Fitness so she could play soccer successfully at the varsity level in high school. Through her hard work, she earned a starting position on the team. For her Expedition/Exploration, Joanna wanted to learn and appreciate another country and its citizens. For this, she traveled to Germany and lived with a German family and attended a German school for two weeks. By participating in the Congressional Award, Joanna has gained a “stronger sense of purpose and focus.” Currently, Joanna has been working with the Children’s Miracle Network and volunteering with storytelling hour at her local library. Joanna recently traveled to Florida to compete in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant where she was named Third Runner-Up. Congrats Joanna!

The American Red Cross, as the nation’s premier emergency response organization, has expanded its services over the years, proving to be a vital and ever-compassionate beacon of hope throughout America.  Red Cross services span from emergency relief to blood collection and donation; from educational programs that promote health and safety to support for military members and their families.  Red Cross, much like the Congressional Award, is not a government agency.  It too relies on donations of time and money to do its work.

The Congressional Award and the American Red Cross have continued their mutually supportive relationship this year with yet another group of Medalists who have contributed thousands of hours of Voluntary Service through the American Red Cross in their quest to earn the Congressional Award.  This year, 16 Gold Medalists volunteered at their local Red Cross chapters to fulfill the Voluntary Public Service component of the Award.  These youth represent Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.  Also this year, 2008 Horizon Award Recipient Dwayne Johnson gave thanks to Red Cross during the 2008 Gold Medal Reception in Washington, DC.  Johnson is a Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member.

With both the Congressional Award and the American Red Cross aiming to serve America’s youth, their partnership is only fitting.  We are honored to be teammates with the Red Cross, and look forward to many more years together.  For more information on how to get involved with Red Cross, please go to http://www.redcross.org/ or contact your local chapter.

On July 23rd, five time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Ivey served as a special guest at our 3rd Annual Charity Poker Tournement at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.  Over 150 people were in attendance, including Members of Congress, Chiefs of Staff, other Congressional staff and business and civic leaders. The event was a huge success thanks to the support of our Donors like Title Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Thanks to all the players that cashed in for kids at the event and we hope to see you next year!

• Title Sponsor:  Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Table Sponsors:
  

  Daimler Poker Players Alliance Toyota White & Case

  
  

The Fourteenth Annual Congressional Award Golf Classic presented by Assurant Health Foundation was held on Monday, July 28th at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA under favorable skies. With the support of over 100 sponsors, Members of Congress, Chiefs of Staff and other Congressional staff, the Golf Classic was a great success.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Congress’ only charity.

• Title Sponsor: Assurant Health Foundation
  
• Bronze Sponsor: Bridgestone Firestone North America
  
• Breakfast Sponsor: Edward Jones
  
• Beverage Sponsor: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  
• Hole Sponsors:
  

  Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Chrysler LLC CSX EYA Florida Power and Light Forest City Washington