Last Friday, so many of Frida Burling’s friends braved the drizzle and daunting traffic (motorcades on Friday at rush hour!!) to celebrate her selection for the United Way’s Tocqueville Award. Especially at 93, Frida is one of DC’s truest treasures – and a philanthropic inspiration to me every day!
Since I regrettably wouldn’t be able to travel with some other of her biggest supporters and the United Way of the National Capital Area staff to see her honored at the United Nations for her seven decades of service to United Way, it was particularly special for me to share a few moments with Frida and congratulate her on this amazing recognition.
So many strong letters of recommendation were submitted to the nominating committee in hopes that they would see the obvious: that Frida is a most remarkable woman! At the celebration last week, what had to have been one of Frida’s favorites was read – support for her nomination from President-elect Obama. Among the rest of the mere mortals who hope to follow in Frida’s footsteps and continue doing good for the our community, my fellow Junior Leaguers (two past presidents!) Kristin Urbach and CC Christakos were there to support and celebrate.
Frida embodies one of my favorite quotes – which I used in my recommendation for her to receive this honor, “The sun shines not on us, but in us.” – John Muir
