Press Release: National Peace Corps Association “The Promise of the Peace Corps Gala” Celebrates 50 Years of the Peace Corps

Washington, DC — September 21st, 2011 — Former Volunteer Chris Matthews to emcee, American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox headlines entertainment

The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps at The Promise of the Peace Corps Gala this Saturday, September 24, 2011.  Some 880 guests are expected to attend the event, which is sold out.

“During a week of 50th anniversary events, the Gala will truly be a night to remember,” said Kevin F. F. Quigley, president of the National Peace Corps Association. “For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and other members of the Peace Corps community, this will be a chance to reflect on the values of the program, share memories and just have a really good time.”

Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Swaziland, will emcee the Gala.  American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox, a singer-songwriter, will be the headline performer. Crystal’s music speaks to the spirit of the Peace Corps through thought-provoking lyrics on the progress of the world and soulful, inspired rhythms.

Dr. Timothy Shriver, chief executive officer of Special Olympics and the son of the first director of the Peace Corps, Sargent Shriver, will present the 2011 Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service to a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who has made a sustained and notable contribution to humanitarian causes at home or abroad, or is an innovative social entrepreneur whose actions will bring about significant long-term change.  The winner of the Global Community Project Competition will also be announced.

The gala will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Attendees are asked to wear formal evening wear or the dress of their home or host country.

All proceeds from this sold-out event are helping to fund the anniversary events that NPCA is hosting this week, which are free and open to the public. Supporters who cannot attend the Gala donated 30 tickets, allowing recently returned or serving Volunteers to attend.

“This year’s celebration will be one of the largest held to date in support of the Peace Corps,” Quigley added. “The Peace Corps community may never get a chance to attend an event as important and exciting as The Promise of the Peace Corps Gala.”

List of free events in September to celebrate the Peace Corps’ 50th anniversary

Access NPCA’s 50th anniversary press kit

***

About the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization connecting and championing Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community. It provides service and education opportunities that build on the Peace Corps experience, and is also the longest-standing advocate for an independent and robust Peace Corps. To learn more, visit: www.peacecorpsconnect.org

Media contact:
Erica Burman
Director of Communications
Phone: 202-293-7728

158 queries in 2.741 seconds.