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By Leslie Chadwick
Flash bulbs pop. One star after another appears on the red carpet. Television cameras and reporters scramble to catch a glimpse or ask one of the celebrities a question.
This could have been the premiere of a major movie. But these stars were gathered to honor Denzel Washington and Viacom at Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2004 President's Dinner in New York City.
A Moving Tribute
More than 1,000 people filled the glittering, elegant ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria. Notable guests included Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, Angela Bassett, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Spike Lee and Alonzo Mourning.
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Morgan Freeman and BGCA president
Roxanne Spillett present the Herbert Hoover
Humanitarian Award to Denzel. |
Actor Morgan Freeman presented Washington with the highest honor BGCA can bestow on a volunteer, the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award.
"He is one of the best actors we have, one of my very closest friends and one of the best people in the world," said Freeman.
Washington was visibly moved as Freeman read a letter of tribute from South African leader Nelson Mandela.
"I know of no one who gives more generously of himself than tonight's honoree," Mandela declared of Washington. "His big picture is always family, community and a moral commitment to give back."
In his acceptance speech, Washington spoke passionately about the influence the Club had on
his life.
"Now I understand the importance of positive words from adults to children, and mentoring," said the
two-time Academy Award-winner. "Children listen, and we have a tremendous responsibility."
Champion of Youth
The evening also honored Viacom, which has demonstrated tremendous philanthropy for America's youth. Among other support, its Blockbuster division is a founding partner of National KidsDay, while its Nickelodeon division produces Let’s Just Play, a public service campaign that encourages kids to develop active and healthy lifestyles.
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Viacom Chairman and CEO Sumner Redstone (left)
receives the Champion of Youth award from
BGCA Chairman Ed Liddy. |
BGCA Chairman Ed Liddy presented the Champion of Youth Award to Sumner Redstone, chairman and CEO of Viacom.
"Viacom shares the goals of Boys & Girls Clubs of America," Redstone said. "Tonight, in Denzel Washington, you can see for yourself the results of Boys & Girls Clubs' life-enhancing programs and character development experiences."
"It Kept Me Out of Trouble"
When a Club first opened in Washington's neighborhood in Mount Vernon, N.Y., he was too young to join. As soon as he turned 6, he signed up – and became an almost permanent fixture. An active member for more than 10 years, he found friendship and support at the Club. Most of all, he found positive guidance from Club director Billy Thomas, who served as mentor, role model and friend, teaching life lessons about self-respect, personal responsibility and community service.
Since becoming BGCA's national spokesperson in 1993, Washington has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in promoting the organization and its values.
He has appeared in four award-winning national public service advertising campaigns, including one featuring Thomas. A member of BGCA’s National Board of Governors since 1995, he has also appeared before members of Congress to advocate for increased government support to open new Clubs in disadvantaged communities.
"I'm here because of what the Club did for me," Washington told the crowd gathered in his honor. "It is the reason I am standing here. It kept me out of trouble. It taught me the life lessons that I have applied directly to my life as an actor. I'm touched, I'm honored, I'm grateful, I'm thankful and I'm blessed."
Leslie Chadwick is communications assistant at BGCA.
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