Paul Helmke and Sarah Brady present the Sarah Brady Visionary Award to Cong. Emanuel

The Brady Center would like to thank all of our supporters for making the annual Stand Up for a Safe America Gala in Washington D.C. a great success.

Sam Donaldson, 37-year ABC News Veteran, hosted the evening with his witty repartee, and the program honored Representative Rahm Emanuel with the Sarah Brady Visionary Award and Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger with the James S. Brady Law Enforcement Award. On hand to present the awards to our honorees were Brady Center Chair, Sarah Brady, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

David Bowers, founder of No Murders DC, introduced gun violence victim and activist Deborah Evans Bailey, who shared her emotional and touching story during the program. While she spoke there was barely a dry eye in the audience. She reminded all attendees that we can make a difference, and that the fight against gun violence will not end until the tragedies cease.

Virginia Tech Students arrive and are greeted by Brady Board Member Byrl Phillips-Taylor

Brady Center President Paul Helmke gave remarks that challenged attendees, elected officials and our country at large with a message of "What are YOU going to do about gun violence?" His remarks were especially poignant in the wake of the recent Virginia Tech tragedy. Board Member Byrl Phillips-Taylor led guests in a moment of silence to remember the thirty-two lives lost at Virginia Tech, and every day in our country. Two tables of Virginia Tech students were able to join us at the event.

The event took place at The Galleria at Lafayette Centre on Tuesday, May 15th. It was truly an elegant and inspirational evening, which focused on themes of Passion, Action and Commitment to end gun violence.

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Videos from the event

Photos from the event
Click one of the images below to view the slideshow. Use your left and right arrow keys to move from one image to the next.

Brady Center President Paul Helmke poses with Host Committee Member Joan Pollitt, Brady Center Board Member Dr. Sue Bailey and Rex Killian

Brady Staff Chris Carr, Host Committee Member Annie Totah, and Maryland Sens. Mike Lenett and Rob Garagiola get acquainted

Cong. Van Hollen and Cong. Becerra meet up during a break in the program

Deborah Evans Bailey captures the audience attention with her moving story

Emcee Sam Donaldson, President Emeritus Mike Barnes and President Paul Helmke greet each other as the event begins

Former Board Member Lois Hess and her husband Dick Hess catch up with Brady Center Chair, Sarah Brady

Host Committee Members Lauren Stempler and Malcolm Catt enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests

James S. Brady Law Enforcement Award Recipient Chief Manger poses with friend and award presenter Cong. Van Hollen

Old friends Sarah Brady and Rep. Emanuel catch up during dinner

Staff Member Alicia Horton meets up with Victim Activist Deborah Evans Bailey and her husband Willie Bailey

Virginia Tech Students arrive and are greeted by Brady Board Member Byrl Phillips-Taylor

Paul Helmke and Sarah Brady present the Sarah Brady Visionary Award to Cong. Emanuel