45th Anniversary Gala

HONORS & AWARDS

Chairman Vincent C. Gray, Health Equity Award

The DCHA Board of Directors has selected Chairman Vincent C. Gray (Ward 7 Councilmember and Chair, Committee on Hospital & Health Equity) as the first honoree to receive the DCHA Health Equity Award. This much deserved recognition is in honor of Chairman Gray’s decades of service to the District of Columbia and his perseverance in ensuring that all residents have access to quality health care. Chairman Gray’s steadfast and unwavering commitment to creating a system of health care that ensures access that should not be limited based on zip code will soon be a reality with the opening of the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, slated to open the Fall of 2024. This is just one example of his legacy of commitment and dedication to eradicating health disparities. More about Chairman Gray.

Dr. Kurt Newman, Robert L. Sloan Award

The DCHA Board of Directors has selected Dr. Kurt Newman, former President & CEO of Children’s National Hospital, to receive the Robert L. Sloan Leadership Award for his years of service and demonstrated leadership qualities. Dr. Newman’s commitment to fostering successful relationships and partnering with the DC health care community, along with his high personal integrity and professional excellence, has made a positive impact on the residents of DC and beyond. The Robert L. Sloan Leadership Award is presented to a individual from a DCHA member hospital for having demonstrated the qualities of leadership inspired by Mr. Robert L. Sloan, former President & CEO of Sibley Memorial Hospital. More about Dr. Newman.

Other Honors & Awards

Distinguished Service Award
Haynes Rice Community Service Award
Patient Safety & Quality Awards for Clinical and Nonclinical Individuals

GALA ENTERTAINMENT

Mistress of Ceremonies Doreen Gentzler

Doreen Gentzler spent more than 33 years anchoring News4 at 6 and News4 at 11 for NBC4, the #1 television station in Washington, D.C. She retired from the station in December 2022 (and we miss her). For 28 of those years, Gentzler anchored with Jim Vance, making them one of the longest-tenured anchor teams in the country. In addition to anchoring, Gentzler served as the station’s medical reporter through most of her tenure at NBC4, filing cutting-edge health reports for all the station’s newscasts and serving as the spokesperson for the annual NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo which provided access to health care to tens of thousands in the region. Full Bio.

Performance Painter David Garibaldi

Artists transform an empty canvas into a work of art through their skill, experience, inspiration and senses. David Garibaldi’s life and transition into a world-renowned performance painter is no different. His show Rhythm and Hue is a music and color experience. Large pop portraits explode together on stage in minutes to music. Paint, sound, and entertainment collide for an entertaining show that has brought people around the world to their feet.

Jazz Singer Tygressa

Tygressa found her voice and love for music at a very young age, singing at home with her mom and four older siblings. She grew her talent and honed her craft of performing throughout grade school chorus, neighborhood talent showcases, and later found herself a three-time contestant and two-time consecutive first place winner at Amateur Night at The World’s Famous Apollo Theater. Known for her sultry yet soulful styled tribute show, Tygressa Sings Natalie… Remembering Natalie Cole, she captivates audiences and has performed on notable stages.

Washington Youth Choir

The Washington Youth Choir is an astounding year-round performance ensemble, which provides an educational experience geared toward talented and driven young vocalists in the DC Metropolitan area. The Choir focuses on fulfilling the educational needs of DC-area youth by using music as a vehicle to impart core values, promote higher education, and instill the belief that excellence can be achieved despite disadvantages.