Stars & Legends Align for Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala

Ford’s Theatre honors basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews, for their commitiment to education, understanding and equality.

Julie Andrews

A glowing Julie Andrews says she loves DC, but dislikes the humidity... especially when she's on the red carpet. But she was gracious enough to stop and chat with us anyways!

The two received the Lincoln Medal of Honor Sunday night for their altruistic qualities that exemplify the character and lasting legacy of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The 7 foot 2 inch basketball legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was soft spoken. He said on the red carpet that he's not worried about getting a statue outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, he's got his Lincoln medal.

The premiere fundraiser event for Ford’s Theatre — the place where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth back in 1865 — was hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss. The gala was attended by Vice President Joe Biden, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, United States Attorney General Eric Holder, actor Scott Bakula, actress Anika Noni Rose, and many more.

Richard Dreyfuss

Richard Dreyfuss goes from Hollywood to politics: he recently started a non-profit (TheDreyfussInitiative.org) to inspire young people to become civically engaged.

Actress Anika Noni Rose

Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose says Julie Andrews has been a huge inspiration to her because "Mary Poppins" was one of the first theater productions in which she starred.

U.S. Commerce Sec. Gary Locke

United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and his wife Mona, a former TV journalist, grace the red carpet.

Jack Evans

DC City Councilman Jack Evans (Ward 2) and his wife Michele.

Well, that’s it from the red carpet. Stay tuned for video from this fabulous event… and more food, fashion and fun in the nation’s capital!

xoxo,

Markette

Markette Ford's Theatre 2011

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  1. Coretta

    Fabulous! And such worthy honorees!

  2. Jalia

    Hahahaha. I?m not too brihgt today. Great post!