The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities hosts an annual gala each June to celebrate the year's achievements, to honor partners and contributors, and to generate additional support for its Bridges program.
Building on the successes of previous years, the 2008 Marriott Foundation Gala attracted over 1,300 guests and raised more than $1.1 million dollars to serve young people through Bridges. The event, held at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC, was chaired by Richard E. Marriott. Guests were entertained with "Tales from the Campaign Trail" provided by Chris Matthews of MSNBC and friends Katty Kay, of BBC World News America, and Eugene H. Robinson, associate editor and columnist for the Washington Post.
A brief video clip of the event can be found on YouTube.
Past headliners have included President George H.W. Bush, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired), talk show legend Larry King, First Lady Rosalyn Carter, actor James Earl Jones, Hall of Fame Quarterback Steve Young and Washington Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs.
