Thank you, Kojo. We're so grateful that you've joined us again this year.
Thank you also to Ed Bersoff and Meyer's Board for your guidance, your confidence and your support.
And a huge shout-out to Meyer's terrific staff who do it all! Rick Moyers and the program team and Amy Harbison and her communications staff who've made our event possible.
And finally, thank you all for coming tonight and for everything you do.
When we came together at this event last year, we couldn't have anticipated the seismic changes that were around the corner.
Like a President and First Lady who are so deeply committed to service and are restoring a sense of possibility.
And like our wonderful former board member Eric Holder now serving as the Attorney General of the United States.
But there are other changes, too. Changes not defined by hope but more by hurt. The uncertainty and anxiety of an economy in a downturn unlike any we've seen in decades.
The challenges are enormous.
How much more so for our neighbors? The ones who have always lived in the shadows of prosperity...
The ones in the margins and the cracks of the economy...
And now the thousands more who find themselves in new, profoundly difficult circumstances.
These are the people you all see every day. The families you work so hard to help. The communities you heal.
How?
By giving a child a safe and happy afterschool experience.
By giving health care to the family that can't afford a doctor...job training to the immigrant who clings to the American Dream.
And by giving legislators and policy-makers facing tough decisions a reminder essential to any community's health: Don't forget the lives of poor people.
So tonight is a night for us to say thank you. For us to applaud you and all you do.
Because it's such hard work.
And we know that -- as unimaginable as it seems -- your jobs are even harder now.
You manage cash flow like magicians, juggle multiple contingency plans, toss and turn at the prospect of laying off staff.
And we know - very well -- that in these times... the lines out your doors are longer and the need for your services is greater... but your budgets are smaller. And that as governments cut back, your challenges only grow.
But there is something else we know. Something else we see.
You're resilient. You're creative.
You refuse to let these families down. You will do everything you can to help and offer hope.
And that's what WE want to do for you.
This is Meyer's 65th anniversary year. The core of our work has always been to listen deeply to talented and visionary nonprofit leaders and support their work. We are recommitting ourselves to listening and to remaining the reliable, committed partner and advocate you've always known.
That's why we will continue the Exponent Awards.
They've enabled us to shine a light on some of the best work in the country.
So far, the Exponent Awards have generated over $2 million in new funding for the nonprofits headed by our award recipients.
And the awards have allowed leaders to invest in their teams and restore themselves professionally, physically and spiritually.
As many of you know, we published an open letter about our response to the economic crisis and ways Meyer can continue to be a strong ally. Beyond what we promised in the letter ...even with constrained resources, we'll look for creative ways to help nonprofit leaders through these times.
To do that requires getting the best information we can about challenges you are facing and the trends you are witnessing.
And that means we promise to listen to what you need.
Maybe it's conversations with experts on finance or human resource issues. Maybe it's a Thursday night yoga class for executive directors... or kickboxing for those who prefer a little less "zen." Or an occasional happy hour in our new green conference room.
If you have other ideas, let us know.
Help us meet our commitment to listen more deeply. Share your thoughts through the new comment button we have created just for Executive Directors on our web site.
Because it's only through communication and connection that we'll dream up fresh new ideas.
That we'll stay healthy. That we'll ensure our collective ability to serve. And weather the storm.
That's our challenge. And, together, I know we'll meet it.
And now to the main event...Kojo, please join me as we introduce the 5 recipients of this year's Exponent Award - the 5 who give it all!
[NOTE: stay by Kojo for moment. Get award from Felicia]
Cue: Donna? Who's Donna?
Julie: The Nonprofit leader at the end of her rope. She's been with us before.
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(add a little musical interlude over which JULIE speaks)
(spoken) We at the Meyer Foundation know how hard life has been for everyone in the non-profit world over the last eighteen months, and it is with deepest respect and affection that we honor all of you who give your time, your talents, and - most importantly-your hearts to those around you.