On October 22, 2019, Heritage hosted its first-ever gala—a star-studded black-tie event that filled the main ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Washington DC—drew almost 1,500 attendees. The gala brought together over 700 Heritage Foundation members; representatives from dozens of conservative organizations; and hundreds of distinguished guests, including members of Congress, the Administration, and Ambassadors.
Featuring a keynote address by Vice President Mike Pence and emceed by actor and producer Dean Cain, the program was a celebration of our unique American values and principles.
During the event, Heritage honored its founder, Edwin J. Feulner, with the Clare Boothe Luce Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, established in 1991, is Heritage’s highest honor.
Heritage president Kay Coles James also announced creation of the Feulner Institute at Heritage, a first-of-its-kind endeavor to restore confidence in America’s founding values and principles. It will be the inspiration and hub of a new effort by Heritage to reinvigorate civic culture and our national purpose.
It was truly an inspiring and memorable evening – culminating with a surprise performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Grammy-award winning artist Lee Greenwood.
2019 Heritage Honors gala – Highlight Reel
2019 Heritage Honors gala – Full Program
National Anthem performed by Liberty University’s LU Praise
LU Praise, Liberty University
Opening Remarks by Dean Cain and Kay Coles James
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Kay Coles James, President, The Heritage Foundation
Keynote Remarks by Vice President Mike Pence
Kay Coles James, President, The Heritage Foundation
The Honorable Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States
Invocation by Chaplain (Captain) Nathan Newman
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Chaplain (Captain) Nathan R. Newman, United States Air Force
Opening Performance
Zuriel Merek, Composer and Musician
Performance by Jolly Swag
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Jolly Swag, Actor, Entertainer, Entrepreneur, and Junior Broadcaster
“Waking Up in Freedom”: Daniel Di Martino
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Daniel Di Martino, Young Voices Contributor and Venezuelan Expatriate
“A Beautiful Burden”: Kyle Carpenter
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter, United States Marine Corps, Retired
Salute to the military
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Robert Dodelin and Sidney’s Orchestra
Presentation of the Clare Boothe Luce Award and remarks by Dr. Edwin J. Feulner
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
Barb Van Andel-Gaby, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Heritage Foundation
Kay Coles James, President, The Heritage Foundation
Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D., Founder, The Heritage Foundation
Remarks by Kay Coles James
Kay Coles James, President, The Heritage Foundation
Closing Performance featuring Lee Greenwood
Kay Coles James, President, The Heritage Foundation
LU Praise, Liberty University
Zuriel Merek, Composer and Musician
Robert Dodelin and Sidney’s Orchestra
Lee Greenwood, Grammy-award winning artist
Dean Cain, Actor and Producer
