WASHINGTON, DC– The Greater Washington program office of The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE-Greater Washington) announces their 12th Annual Dare to Dream Gala Event, themed “Building Up the Potential,” to be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The Event will continue the tradition of gathering top business leaders in the Washington area to celebrate entrepreneurship, toast the achievements of NFTE’s students, and network with guests. Prior to the Gala program, NFTE will be hosting a Cocktail Reception and the Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase, where students will exhibit the businesses they have launched throughout their experience with NFTE over the past year.
This year’s distinguished group of Honorees, Chair, Vice Chairs, and Mistress of Ceremonies include:
• 2009 Honoree:
o Mark Ein, Founder and CEO, Venturehouse Group
• 2009 Gala Chair:
o R. Donahue Peebles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Peebles Corporation
• 2009 Gala Vice Chairs:
o Caroline Alexander, Healthy Muse, Inc.
o Raul and Jean-Marie Fernandez
o Edie Fraser, Diversified Search Ray & Berndston
o Jimmy Lynn, AOL
o Gene Samburg, Kastle Systems
o Julia Spicer, Mid-Atlantic Venture Association
• 2009 Mistress of Ceremonies:
o Jada Nicome, Northwestern High School student and winner of NFTE’s-28th Semi Annual Greater Washington Youth Business Plan Competition, and owner of K-9 Kouture.
Entertainment will be provided by the Urban HIP-HOP Choir, directed by Dr. Rickey Peyton, Sr., native Washingtonian, voting member of the GRAMMY’s, composer, arranger, producer, performer, and teacher renowned in the Washington, DC area.
“NFTE’s unique entrepreneurship education program helps young people to find and develop their passions and talents in entrepreneurial ways that allow them to become self-sufficient. Our gala is a great way to see local kids who are on the path to becoming successful entrepreneurs and proactive participants in the market economy. Through NFTE, nearly 20,000 Washington area kids have learned to be self-sufficient and gained a strong sense of personal ownership in their own futures. The NFTE Dare to Dream Gala is a wonderful way for the Washington business community to celebrate the entrepreneurial talents and future of our region’s youth,” said Jeff Reid, Executive Director of NFTE-Greater Washington.
