by intern Andrew Dubbs
On Wednesday night, 400 non-profit leaders, child advocates, sponsors and donors convened at The Four Seasons Hotel for ICON ’13, a dinner and talent showcase supporting Boys and GIrls Club of Greater Washington. Each year across the nation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America holds numerous events to drive national awareness and support.
The Ferris Family with Maris Ferris, ICON 13 Benefit Chair
Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they bid on over 54 silent auction items that ranged from restaurant gift cards to sports memorabilia and exotic getaways. All of the proceeds from the silent auction went to the Boys and Girls Clubs. The night was highlighted by a live auction of six high-value items.
Among these items were a set of premium Super Bowl tickets, a singing performance by Joe Coleman in his home, and a luxury trip to Qatar.
Joe Coleman and Barbara Hawthorn, Member of the Women’s Leadership Group
Coleman, of course, is best known for his affiliation with The Platters as the lead singer. After many years at Las Vegas’ famous showplace the Sahara and venues around the globe, Coleman has stepped out to fulfill his lifelong dream of bringing the “classic” stylings of groups like The Temptations, The Platters and The Drifters to corporate and social events and has formed a new group, “Leonard, Coleman & Blunt”, which features former members of these 3 great groups and has taken them on the road!
At the end of the event, he expressed the joy he has taking part in ICON. He and his wife have participated in the live auction for the past two years and they are more enthusiastic to do it every year.
Joe Coleman
The Super Bowl tickets went for $3000 and the trip to Qatar went for $7500! At the end of the live auction, performances by members of the Boys and Girls Club reminded the audience of what their charity is working for.