Putting Abilities First Gala!
Saturday, we went to Quality Trust’s 15th annual Putting Abilities First celebration at the Renaissance Washington Downtown Hotel. We snapped Balance Gym DC's Tony Rinehart, Health Management Associates’ Rachel Patterson and THEARC’s Nicole Jorwic.
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton was honored for work for universal human and civil rights, along with her support of Quality Trust and local disability groups in their quest to improve services for people with disabilities in Washington.
The event celebrated the work of Washington leaders who collaborate and work to successfully support people with disabilities to lead the lives they desire. Proceeds from the event will support Quality Trust’s advocacy and outreach efforts for people with disabilities and their families. Here, Quality Trust CEO Tina Campanella with event emcee Larry Smith, anchor of ABC7 Good Morning Washington.
Norton, Robert Williams, local self-advocate Thelma Green and Giant Food were honored with the QT Advocacy and Leadership awards for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Here, consultant Karen Davis is flanked by Jeffrey Schwamm and Clark Madigan.
Guest enjoyed a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner, awards presentation and live music by the X Factor Band. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items such as sporting events, theater tickets and vacation packages. Here, award winner Bob Williams, one of the Quality Trust founding board members, who was honored for his pivotal work in helping create government systems that were responsive and supportive for the full diversity of people with disabilities.
Quality Trust supports over 1,500 people with disabilities a year and their families solve problems and get tools to lead a productive life. The organization assists people with disabilities plan their own future and to become involved in their community through Quality Trust’s advocacy, monitoring and legal efforts. Here, D.C. Council Member Vincent Gray, Quality Trust founding board member Marty Ford and Quality Trust board member Chase Phillips from Merrill Lynch.
