Lieberman and Haysbert Headline Record-Setting Benefit Gala
Date: December 11, 2006
Location: Cipriani’s 42nd Street, New York, NY
Honorees: Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT), Theodore Roosevelt Award for the Advancement of Public Service and actor Dennis Haysbert, Public Service in the Arts Award
In any given December, there is always an abundance of black tie events in New York City. But the formal gathering that took place at the Cipriani’s 42nd Street on December 11, 2006 was not your typical holiday party. Rather than raising toasts to another successful year for their organizations, guests of this party were raising money to support the revitalization of our federal government. The occasion was the Partnership for Public Service’s fourth annual New York benefit gala, and more than 750 New Yorkers came out to show their support and raise $2.3 million for the Partnership that evening.
Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw served as Master of Ceremonies and kept the audience engaged with the charm and wit that made him America’s most watched newsman. The centerpiece of the program was the presentation of the Partnership’s highest honor, the Theodore Roosevelt Award for the Advancement of Public Service. Named after our 30th President and the father of the federal civil service, the Roosevelt Award has been presented to some of the country’s most prominent public figures, including Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.
This year’s honoree was equally deserving—Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT). Fresh off of his re-election to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Lieberman is well into his fifth decade of a career spent serving others, which began in the 1960s when he was a Freedom Rider during the civil rights movement.
New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, another public servant known for working across party lines, presented the Roosevelt Award to Sen. Lieberman. The Senator then charmed the crowd with his trademark humor and stories of his career in public life. He also captured what the evening and the Partnership is all about. “We have to remember in government that the dreams of the dreamers, sometimes fortunately enacted into legislation and law, don’t get realized without the doers who are the public servants,” Lieberman said.
The Partnership also presented a special Public Service in the Arts Award to actor Dennis Haysbert. The star of the CBS series The Unit, Haysbert is perhaps best known for his portrayal of President David Palmer on Fox’s hit show 24. After receiving his award from Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), Haysbert spoke about how many of his family members had been public servants, and he punctuated his remarks by challenging a clichéd criticism of those who serve.
“How many of you have heard the term, ‘Well it’s good enough for government work?’” Haysbert asked. “I’m here to tell you that this statement should be changed to this, ‘Are you good enough for government work?’”
In addition to these inspiring words, the audience was also treated to a taste of Broadway. The stars of Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, performed after dinner. Based on the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is filled with classic hits and some of the favorites the packed ballroom enjoyed that night included “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
In the end, not only did all in attendance have a good time, but they helped to support a good cause. With the $2.3 million raised at the gala, the Partnership’s endowment has now eclipsed $10 million, putting the Partnership in a stronger position than ever to aggressively pursue its mission of revitalizing our federal government.
The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to revitalize our federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works.
CALENDAR
Webinar - Mission-Critical Occupations: Jobs in Business
Date: March 11, 11:00 a.m.-noon
While many business-minded students have opted to pursue careers in the private sector in the past, the government is in critical need of people with these skill sets and has a wide variety of positions with great benefits available for these individuals. Join us to learn more about what agencies are hiring for students in business and what programs can help your students get their start in government.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Jenn Close
Webinar - Federal Hiring Reforms
Date: March 24, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
When is USAJOBS getting a makeover? Will KSAs disappear? Do agencies have to get in touch with applicants at four points during the application process? Learn the answers to these questions and more as Partnership staff members and agency representatives discuss federal hiring reforms and the changes applicants can expect to see in 2010.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Jenn Close
Webinar - Marketing to the Masses: How to Brand Your Public Service Campaign
Date: April 22, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Marketing and branding are critical components of any federal service campaign. In order for your federal initiatives to be successful, they need to be recognized by your student body and viewed in a positive light. Hear from Partnership staff members, agency representatives and Innovation Grant recipient schools about the best ways to market and brand your public service activities.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Jenn Close
Webinar - Mission-Critical Occupations: Jobs in STEM
Date: May 3, 11:00 a.m.-noon
The government has thousands of opportunities available in fields from renewable energy to public health to protecting our nation’s computer systems. Hear from Partnership staff members and agency representatives about what it’s like to work in these fields in government, as well as learn about special hiring authorities that will make it easier for your students and alumni to find federal jobs and internships.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Jenn Close
Annenberg Leadership Seminar - Leading from Your Level
Date: April 21-22, 2010
This seminar will introduce you to techniques for getting results, regardless of level, by: understanding and capitalizing on your unique strengths; defining and expanding your role in the agency; establishing credibility; influencing and communicating with leaders and peers; and cultivating a network of leaders and peers who will support your job-specific and career goals.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Laura Howes
Public Service Recognition Week - Innovation and Opportunity
Date: May 6-9, 2010
The National Mall event, hosted by the Partnership and the Public Employees Roundtable will showcase this year’s theme of “Innovation and Opportunity” with educational and interactive agency exhibits as well as panels and information on how citizens can make a difference through federal jobs and internships. We’ll share what opportunities are available, give tips on how to apply and stand out from the crowd, and why our government is the right place for the best and brightest to make a difference for our nation.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Amin Cyntje
Annenberg Leadership Seminar - Driving Innovation
Date: May 18-19, 2010
This seminar will introduce you to techniques leaders use to find breakthrough solutions and to initiate change by: identifying and understanding root causes; brainstorming potential solutions; testing ideas on a small scale to earn support; and scaling and spreading proven ideas.
For more information or to register, click here.
Partnership Contact: Laura Howes
For more information about our events, please contact events@ourpublicservice.org or call (202) 775-9111.
