The Trust for the National Mall hosted its eleventh annual benefit event, BALL for THE MALL, underneath the stars and amongst the monuments on the National Mall. The event welcomed more than 750 confirmed guests during National Park Week, a celebration of America’s treasures that hold the stories of our history and culture. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer reprised his role as the Master of Ceremonies for the program. Author Cokie Roberts and her daughter, Rebecca Boggs Roberts, delivered a keynote address recounting the untold and remarkable contributions of women to the country’s founding and its preservation. Businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, introduced the keynote speakers. Rubenstein has given generously over the years through multiple gifts to demonstrate continued support in restoring and improving the National Mall. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke presented the “History, Heroes, and Hope Award” to two distinguished, longtime National Mall volunteers, while Trust for the National Mall Founder and Chairman John E. “Chip” Akridge, III unveiled the first-ever State of the National Mall report.
