On Tuesday, April 20th Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) hosted the 25th Annual Tim Russert Congressional Dinner. The celebrated event took place at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC with nearly 800 guests in attendance. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D), Senator Susan Collins (R) and BGCGW Youth of the Year, Natasha Knuckles were the featured honorees.

The Tim Russert Memorial Dinner pays tribute to local and national leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to making the world a better place by making significant contributions to youth and to Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States.

“Tonight is about recognizing the leaders who continually help us achieve our mission and its about recognizing the members of our clubs who grow up to become success stories because of what we were able to provide them while they were in our care,” said Pandit Wright, President & CEO, BGCGW. “BGCGW is a place where great futures begin. We start with being “the positive place for kids” – keeping them safe, which is not to be taken lightly.

Luke Russert, the son of Maureen Orth and the late Tim Russert served as the events emcee. BGCGW members and local youth were greatly involved in this year’s program. The Color Guard from Ballou Senior High School kicked-off the evening followed by the National Anthem which was sung by BGCGW Teen Arts Performing (T.A.P) singing sensation, Jason Braithwaite. Yuri Lopez, an eight year member of BGCGW and graduating high school senior led the invocation. Youth Ambassadors’ Kanesha Overton and Amandeep Gill both provided remarks during the program.

In addition to the speeches that were given and the awards that were presented, there was a moment in the program that called for audience participation. First, nine Fit U kids challenged this year’s emcee, Luke Russert and some of his friends to a “quick cardio set.” The kids then asked members of the audience to stand up and stretch. This segment of the program highlighted the FitU Program to show ways in which BGCGW is working to tackle the issue of childhood obesity. Through a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, the FitU program teaches members the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The first Congressional Dinner was held in 1986 after Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s first 100 years of continuous service to youth and was recently renamed in honor of Tim Russert. Russert served on the BGCGW Board of Directors 13 years raising hundred of thousands of dollars, as emcee of the Dinner and served as an advocate for youth.