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.

 

© 2007 Partnership for Public Service