On October 6, 2008, friends of CDF from across the country and from all walks of life came together to celebrate our accomplishments and rededicate our efforts to ensure a brighter future for America's children at CDF's 35th Anniversary Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The event included hosts Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, actress Jurnee Smollett, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, Editor Emerita of Essence magazine Susan L. Taylor, actress and comedienne Ali Wentworth, singer and actress Holly Robinson Peete and a special video tribute from actor Sidney Poitier. Performers included renowned teenaged pianist Peng-Peng Gong, Broadway Kids, singer N'Kenge, Grammy^® award-winning a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Impact Repertory Theatre.

Special Video Tribute from Actor Sidney Poitier

Children's Defense Fund Board Members Step Up and Speak Out to Congratulate CDF

click on image to play video

Malaak Compton-Rock	DD Eisenberg
Geoff Canada & Katie McGrath	Ruth-Ann Huvane

 

Photos from the Gala

 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington, D.C.

Monday, October 6, 2008
Pre-Show VIP Reception 6:00 pm
Show 8:00 pm
Post-Show VIP Reception 9:30 pm

 

Co-Chairs

Beth Dozoretz | Jessye Norman | Susan L. Taylor

Leadership Sponsors

The Coca-Cola Company | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. | Katie McGrath and J. J. Abrams | PEOPLE

Celebrity Hosts

Malaak Compton-Rock | Holly Robinson Peete | Sidney Poitier | Jurnee Smollett | George Stephanopoulos | Ali Wentworth