DMI's Annual Benefit is just weeks away. Regulars readers here know that I'm on the board and that, frankly, I'm a very active board member who cares deeply about this organization and its mission. I don't have a tip job here. Don't do blog fundraisers. Don't realize much of anything on the financial side from this blog - but once a year, I'm asking readers to come through.
This is that time.
Last year, we had great support from the blogging community. Sure, we honored Markos Moulitsas and had an all-star netroots community (co-chaired by the late, great Steve Gilliard). This year, there will be a similar committee. But I really wanted to reach to readers and ask for support. The work DMI does is very important to our civil society here in the U.S.
Here's the deal: on June 21st at Cipriani on 23rd street the Drum Major Institute and all of our supporters will be coming together for the big annual event that's key to keeping a leading edge think tank growing and going strong.
How cool is the DMI benefit?
Professor Cornell West of Harvard - the Cornell West will be presenting honoree Tavis Smiley
with the Drum Major for Justice Award for being an outstanding voice
for social change in the news media and beyond. You probably know Mr.
Smiley from his nightly talk show on PBS and the best selling
progressive book "The Covenant with Black America."
We are also honoring NYC's Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his leadership creating PlaNYC 2030 - a visionary plan to make New York City a model for environmentally sustainable cities in the 21st century. PlaNYC has been lauded by environmentalists and urban planning groups alike.
And who will be presenting his award? None other than civil rights leader Rev. Dr. James Forbes of Riverside Baptist Church. I love that guy. He is one of the most moving, inspiring speakers I have ever, ever heard (and I hear a lot of speakers). He is about to retire so we are extremely fortunate to have him at our benefit.
So what is left to do but buy tickets to the coolest benefit party of the season!
Here's the info
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy 2007 Drum Majors for Justice Awards
Cipriani 23rd Street
23rd Street and Fifth Avenue
Thursday, June 21, 2007
6:30pm -8:30 pm
Cocktail Reception Plus:
No boring rubber-chicken dinners for the Drum Major Institute. It's a
festive affair celebrating our honorees and our work. Mingle with a
diverse crowd of New Yorkers committed to creating social change. Eat
great food, enjoy stimulating conversations and meet our inspiring
honorees. (see I told you it was cool)
RSVP by June 14
Buy your tickets NOW at www.drummajorinstitute.org/benefit or RSVP at [email protected].
