Mayor-Elect Vincent Gray, D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells and Ambassador of Jamaica to the U.S. Audrey Marks Support BGCGW’s Cultural Arts Initiative; Four Youth ICONs Perform, Receive Scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (November 22, 2010) Last week, after months of competition at local and regional levels, and a final performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, four acts or “ICONs” performed and received scholarships at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s (BGCGW) ICON 10 Dinner & Talent Showcase Benefit Gala following cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions on November 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

Among over 300 guests including Mayor-Elect Vincent Gray, D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells and Ambassador of Jamaica to the U.S. Audrey Marks, BGCGW ICONs presented a historic speech from Frederick Douglass, an original hip-hop tribute to ICON, a rousing comedic sketch, and a unique vocal and acoustic guitar composition during the talent showcase.  They are:

•    Tiffany Greene, Age 9; Trinity Greene, Age 7 and Adiah Johnson, Age 9 (group act) George M. Ferris, Jr. Clubhouse 6
•    Brandon Kelly, Age 17, FBR Branch @ THEARC
•    Kaitlyn Meyers, Age 14, Fredericksburg Branch
•  Sandra Stevenson, Age 9, Orr Elementary School Branch

Presented by BGCGW’s Women’s Leadership Group (WLG), ICON 10 Dinner & Talent Showcase Benefit Gala generated nearly $300,000 of vital financial support for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s performing and visual arts programs and activities.  As many of our schools and community organizations continue to reduce their contributions to the arts, WLG has risen over $4 million in eleven years to support BGCGW’s cultural arts initiatives and is steadfast in promoting opportunities for self-expression and creativity through the advancement of performing and visual arts.

Each year since 2003, ICON Talent Showcase program inspires, motivates and builds the self-esteem and confidence of our members while providing an opportunity to develop and showcase their many hidden gifts and talents. Many participants discover new things about themselves and perhaps most importantly, surprise themselves with what they can achieve along the way. With ICON, all kids are winners!