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| Children’s
Defense Fund celebrated its 30th anniversary with a star-studded
gala |
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L.
to r.: Denyce Graves; Executive Honoree Bill Lynch. |
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| Jessica
Lange, Iman and David Copperfield joined Marian Wright Edelman, President
of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) celebrated the organization’s
30th Anniversary, honoring the many achievements of the CDF. CDF has
been the leading voice in the halls of power representing the needs
of America’s children. The organization has made significant
improvements in the lives of millions of children and families with
research and advocacy that has lead to better early childhood education,
expanded health insurance coverage for children, new child welfare
protections and guaranteed education for children with special needs. |
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Marian
Wright Edelman |
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Iman
and Jessica Lang |
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Michael
Klein |
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The gala, which
raised over $800,000 for CDF was held at the Harlem’s World
Famous Apollo Theater on Tuesday, November 11th, featured a special
live performance by Denyce Graves, star of The Metropolitan
Opera. Chuck Prince, CEO Citigroup, presented honors
to both Bill Lynch, President of Bill Lynch Associates,
LLC; and Michael Klein, Chairman & CEO Citibank
International plc., for their outstanding work with children in the
community.
In addition, CDF presented the annual Beat the Odds® awards to
three New York City area high school seniors; Martin Garrett,
17, from Elmont, NY, 17-year-old Sophie Parr from
the Bronx, and Marquita Davis, 17, from Brooklyn.
The awards were presented to them by David Copperfield, Iman and Congressman
Charles Rangel, respectively. Beat the Odds®
was created in 1990 by CDF to recognize and reward young people who
have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives, and who continue
to work hard to achieve academic excellence while giving back to their
communities. |
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