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The Jefferson Jackson Dinner Gala
T
he annual Jefferson/Jackson Dinner Gala was held at the Rio’s Pavilion Ballroom. This year’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner had star power as Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore was the keynote speaker.
Vice President Al Gore with Democratic State Chairman Sam Lieberman
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Vice President Al Gore with Chris Guinchigliani and Gary Gray
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
The Jefferson/Jackson Dinner goes back to a time before the Democratic Party actually existed and even before one of its namesakes was well-known. The dinners began as a way to honor Thomas Jefferson as he left the presidency in 1809. Jefferson and his close friend James Madison started the first real political party which went by several names. Our founding fathers defined democracy differently than we do now. Today’s Democratic party believes in inclusiveness, but historians would be hard-pressed to find a politician in Jefferson’s time who advocated women’s suffrage, votes for African Americans, or even universal white manhood suffrage. However, Jefferson stood closer to our ideas of democracy in supporting wider voting rights, individual freedom and religious liberty. The Jefferson/Jackson Dinner is a part of the Democratic Party’s rich history and has become an annual event.
Vice President Al Gore, Linda Faiss & Senator Harry Reid
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Vice President Al Gore, Rose McKinney James & Senator Harry Reid
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Dinner, Speakers, Awards and Entertainment was enjoyed by a multitude of Democrats who came to enjoy an evening that celebrated the political successes of the past year. The event also included the first annual HOPE AWARDS presented to honor individuals who have been instrumental in making Clark County a better place to live. Recognition was given for Energy and Environment; Education; Leadership; Economy; and Grassroots.
Vice President Al Gore, Barbara Buckley & Senator Harry Reid
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley & husband Dr. Larry Lerner with Vice President Al Gore
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was on hand to receive the state party’s first Hope Award. In addition to Senator Reid, HOPE AWARDS were given to Rose McKinney James (Energy & Environment); Bridget Bilbray-Phillips (Education); Barbara Buckley (Leadership) and Linda Faiss (Economy). The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sara and Ralph Denton.
Senator Harry Reid
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Congresswoman Dina Titus
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
GRASS ROOTS AWARDEES were: Mimi Katz; Tom Harper; Estella Morales; Stephanie Smith; Fred Toval; John Ponticello; Bill Jacobs; Frank Tepper; Randy Soltero and Ellen Nakamura. Congratulations to all the honorees.
Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Grass Roots Honorees
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
Everyone was excited to see and hear featured speaker, former Vice President Al Gore, who is a renowned climate activist, Nobel Prize winner and founder and chairman of the Alliance for Climate Protection. Gore praised Senator Harry Reid for much of the credit in passing the controversial health care legislation and for his leadership, and fighting for the average person. He said with leadership from Sen. Harry Reid and the Democratic delegation, Nevada can be the premier green energy producer in the nation, creating jobs and improving our environment at the same time.
Senator Harry Reid at Reception
Sara and Ralph Denton—
Life Achievement Award
Other distinguished speakers were the most powerful Democrats in Nevada. State Chair, Sam Lieberman gave the Pledge of Allegiance. Speeches were given by: Senator Harry Reid; Congresswoman Dina Titus; Congresswoman Shelley Berkeley; County Commissioner and Gubernatorial candidate Rory Reid; State Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley; State Controller Kim Wallin; State Treasurer Kate Marshall and Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. Many of the speakers spoke of the health care legislation as a major victory for the party, one that demonstrates Democrats’ commitment to social and economic justice issues.
John Ponticello and Nancy Alf
John Ponticello—Grass Roots Award
with Dr. Adele Zorn
Earlier in the day former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin spoke at a Tea Party Rally in Senator Reid’s hometown of SEARCHLIGHT. Several speakers said Palin and Tea Party activists must not be allowed to convince people they represent the average person. “She doesn’t talk for me,” Berkley said to rousing applause.
Paradise Democratic Club Board Members
Vern and Sally Clapp,
John Ponticello and Robin Pullen
A highlight of the evening was a special performance by Rick Faugno, star of “Jersey Boys,” concert pianist Philip Fortenberry and gifted singer Kristen Hertzenberg—currently starring as Christine Daae in Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular. Kristen sang a beautiful song that was written and composed by Keith Thompson for this night called: KEEP HOPE ALIVE. Each guest received a CD of the song that included all of the lyrics!
Hope Award Honoree Bridget Bilbray-Phillips with family (father former U.S. Congressman James Bilbray)
Entertainers for the evening
This annual Jefferson/Jackson Dinner Gala was quite a success that was enjoyed by all attending!
Vice President Al Gore with Dr. Adele Zorn
(Photo: © Audrey Dempsey)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF AND
© DR. ADELE “Z.Z.” ZORN AND USED WITH PERMISSION.
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