2019 AF Annual Gala and Buckley Awards

Strap on your heels and straighten your bowties! Celebrate liberty in style while connecting with your fellow freedom fighters from across the country.

America’s Future Foundation is proud to announce our biggest, most exciting Annual Gala yet, which will feature the presentation of the 10th Annual Buckley Awards.

This year’s Gala will once again be held at Nationals Park, just steps from the Navy Yard waterfront in one of DC’s trendiest neighborhoods, complete with phenomenal views and special access to the field and exclusive park features such as the dugout and batting cage.

Dress your best for the red carpet and photo booth, enjoy the open bar (and a VIP bar for special guests), and before the night is over, kick off your shoes and tear up the dance floor.

Be sure to bring your Facebook and Instagramming A-game to fill your friends’ social feeds with your live updates throughout the night. Because if it’s not on social media, did it really happen? #AFFGala

Don’t miss your chance clink glasses with Buckley Award winners past and present, meet inspirational young leaders from across the country, and celebrate an outstanding year of liberty at this must-attend event. Check out photos from last year’s Gala here.

Plus: “Round the bases” throughout the night and enter to win one of ten phenomenal prizes offered by well-known leaders in the movement and our generous sponsors. (Check them out below).

The 2019 Annual Gala and Buckley Awards is sponsored by:

Platinum Sponsors:

                  

 

Gold Sponsors:

    

Silver Sponsors:

     

             

 

Bronze Sponsors:

   

Host Committee Sponsors:

Jonathan Hanen
Sarah Pleznac
Richard Lorenc
Colin Caldarera
Joseph Goetz
Zach Sentementes
Jackie Fowler
Brad and Renee Tidwell
Kaitlin Owens
Nazira Coury
Jared Parks
Maggie Lit

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Learn more about the prizes available to win at the Annual Gala and Buckley Awards:

1. Mentoring Session with Bridgett Wagner, Senior VP of Policy Promotion at The Heritage Foundation
Bridgett Wagner is one of the conservative movement’s best-known and well-connected leaders in Washington, DC. Previously she served as Heritage’s director of coalition relations, a position in which she drew respect for motivating, supporting, encouraging, counseling, and otherwise helping to build a vital network of freedom-movement influencers in the US and around the world. Sitting down to a one-on-one meeting with Bridgett would put you lightyears ahead in terms of the “right” connections. Whoever it is you’re thinking about, she knows them and can potentially help point you towards a bright future and pathway within the conservative movement.

2. Mentoring Session with Lisa Lewis, CEO of Lisa Lewis Career Coaching
Have you been wondering what’s next for your career? Have you been feeling “okay” in your work, but are hoping to go from good to great? If so, this 60-minute power brainstorm with certified career coach Lisa Lewis will help you lay out your current roadmap, forecast obstacles, and get clear on your desired professional destination. Past clients have said that one 60-minute session with Lisa was more clarifying than months of therapy!

3. Mentoring Session with Karin Agness Lips, Founder and President at Network of enlightened Women
What Karin first began as a book club at the University of Virginia in 2004, is now the nation’s premier organization for conservative university women. Karin has spent her career focused on the cross-section between feminism and conservatism and on how policies affect women. Karin has been selected as one of Fortune’s 55 most influential women on Twitter and named to the Republican National Committee’s Rising Stars. This powerful mentoring session will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to make your voice heard.

4. Mentoring Session with Chaz Cirame, Founder and Principal at Cc: External Affairs
Chaz is one of the nation’s foremost experts regarding how NGO’s and influencers affect public policy. The company he founded and runs, Cc: External Affairs, Inc., helps corporations, trade associations, public affairs firms and nonprofits develop long-term partnerships to reach and exceed their goals. Whether you’re looking to launch your own business or gain a deeper understanding of the political system, you’ll want to a DC guru like Chaz to help you learn how to navigate the field and find a common ground between yourself and those you want to influence.

5. Personalized Styling Session with Leah Whetstone
When Leah isn’t busy representing AF as the community growth manager, she runs a wardrobe consultation side hustle that aims to develop each of her clients’ personal style. A styling session with Leah will be an opportunity to update your wardrobe and enhance your personal brand! You have the option to choose from either a wardrobe consultation OR a personal shopping trip. It’s up to you!

6. Portrait Photography Session with Capitol Hill Photos
Anthony Bolognese of Capitol Hill Photos wants you to be the next person in front of his coveted camera! Anthony specializes in fashion and event photography, shooting for brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Nike, and for magazines like Capitol File and DC Modern Luxury. He is one of the most sought after photographers in the DMV. Whether you or your organization need brand content, headshots, or event coverage, receive $50 off any photography package OR one free portrait session.

7. Custom-Made Dress Shirt from Capitol Hill Clothiers
There’s just no comparison between custom-made and off-the-rack. Capitol Hill Clothiers is offering one FREE custom-made dress shirt (valued at $150) to one lucky man or woman at tonight’s AF Gala. They offer almost 500 fabrics to choose from, along with the ease and luxury of great service, and will come to you to build and design your new favorite dress shirt. You’ll love the fit of your new custom-made shirt made to fit you. Join the #DistrictofCustom.

8. $100 Towards Any Leadership Institute Training
Becoming a graduate of a Leadership Institute training is one of the single most important things you can do for yourself and your future career in the conservative movement. Founded in 1979 by Morton C. Blackwell, this Institute doesn’t analyze policy; it teaches conservative Americans how to influence policy through direct participation, activism, and leadership. If you are seeking a job in the conservative movement, anywhere, LI is the best starting point in your search. Virtually all significant conservative organizations across America employ Leadership Institute graduates.

9. $100 Certificate to Use at Mission Navy Yard
Use this $100 gift card to fill your plate (or glass) at the new location of Mission, a lively and vibrant bar and restaurant located across the street from Nationals Park (and the location of tonight’s AFter party!). You might be familiar with their sister restaurant, Mission Dupont Circle, which has been serving strong margaritas and tasty tacos since 2014.

10. Two Tickets to the Nationals vs. Rockies Game on July 24
Grab a friend and join the AF-DC crew as the Nats take on the Colorado Rockies on July 24! Tickets also include a $15 concession credit.