Since 2000, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has hosted an annual program in partnership with George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) to highlight the contributions of District of Columbia government employees who work behind the scenes to improve the lives of city residents.
At the Annual Cafritz Foundation Gala in June, James Robinson, the executive director of CEPL, said the center is honored to be the steward of the Cafritz Award program.
“Our mission [at CEPL] is to develop public leaders who make a positive difference… and for us, the Cafritz Awards symbolizes our mission perfectly,” Mr. Robinson said to the crowd in the Marvin Center’s Cafritz Conference Center.
Calvin Cafritz, president and CEO of the Cafritz Foundation, said the mission of the awards is to highlight the otherwise unseen contribution of public workers.
“We hope to raise public awareness about these outstanding individuals and send a message to other government employees that their dedication and accomplishments are valued," Mr. Cafritz said.
This year, for the program’s 17th celebration, the Cafritz Foundation presented awards to five individuals and a team: The award carries with it $7,500 for each individual winner and teams share an award worth $15,000.
D.C. City Administrator Rashad Young congratulated the Cafritz Awards winners and thanked the city's 33,000 government employees.
George Washington President Thomas J. LeBlanc closed the event highlighting the importance of service. He said he and his wife, Anne, had only been D.C. residents for 10 months. “But, boy, do I feel good about my new city tonight,” Dr. LeBlanc said. "At the George Washington University, we’re proud of the community that surrounds us, and we want to be an important part of that community.
More information about the awardees and their contributions can be read in the full GW Today story.