Inside Champions of #TheWork

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Wes Moore and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Photo credit: Steven Presbury

Late last week, over 350 people – including Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Congressman John Delaney – turned out to support New York Times Best Selling Author Wes Moore at his inaugural Champions of #THEWORK Celebration. Moore (who just last month released his second read, The Work, which quickly climbed the ranks of the New York Times’ Best-Seller list) and PHILANTHROPIK co-hosted the event at the Four Seasons Baltimore to honor seven individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to their local communities.

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CÎROC Military Ambassador and US Marine Corps Captain Christopher Minaya, Naya Evans and CÎROC Ambassador Ke’Shawn Forbes. Photo credit: Alex Acosta

Moore addressed the crowd about finding a life passion through self-discovery, service and risk-taking: “We want to rejoice the individuals who are using their passions as a vehicle to address the world’s greatest needs, and share their experiences for the chance to inspire others to do the work of their lives.”

The red carpet affair – presented by Prudential – featured CÎROC signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. World-renowned harmonica player Frederic Yonnet serenaded guests with a live performance of classic tunes mixed with modern day hits.

The night honored: Youth Dreamers’ Kristina Berdan, CÎROC Military Ambassador and US Marine Corps Captain Christopher Minaya, President & Founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Bonnie Carroll, Youth Build Founder & Executive Director Robert Clark and BridgeEdu’s Codi ChavisAngelique Smith and Tyson Sanford-Griffin for their continued success in their individual fields.

Additional notable attendees at the soiree included Maryland State Senator Bill Ferguson, CBS Baltimore Anchor Vic Carter and Prudential Vice Chairman Mark Grier among others.

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Award Recipients Robert Clark, Wes Moore, Codi Chavis, Angelique Smith, Tyson Sanford-Griffin, Mark Grier, Lou Oberndorf, Kristina Berdan, Christopher Minaya and Susan Wright. Photo credit: Alex Acosta