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For more than 70 years, the Aspen Institute has worked towards a vision of a free, just, and equitable society. To pay homage to that vision, each year the Institute honors exemplars of values-based leadership who have made important contributions to society at their Annual Awards Dinner. This most prestigious event is the Aspen Institute’s flagship fundraiser, and largest generator of unrestricted funding from their Board of Trustees, leaders of American business, major philanthropists, heads of foundations, friends, and supporters. With a theme of leadership and a focus on youth and the future, the 38th Annual Awards Dinner took place on November 3rd at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
After a two-year pause, more than 350 guests reunited in person to celebrate 2022’s honorees: Henry Crown Leadership Award recipients Jackie and Mike Bezos and the Public Service Award recipient Dr. Elizabeth Alexander. This year, Liberty & Co. added unexpected, powerful live and video storytelling moments, highlighting lessons in leadership from notable Fellows and prize winners. Akin to a theatrical performance, their stories of leadership filled the room with goosebumps and inspiration. The evening’s crescendo included youth poet Anna Capelle reciting Dr. Elizabeth Alexander’s poem “Butter,” accompanied by Aspen Music School and Juilliard Pre-College youth violinist, William Yeh. People rose to their feet with triumphant cheer. Overheard around the room: “This is by far the best event we have ever had!"
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