As Olivia Pope on the hit ABC show Scandal, Kerry Washington gets herself in and out of scandalous situations, but in real-life, the Bronx native is much more on the straight and narrow and a role model to the youth of America.
On May 2, the actor will be recognized as one of the bright stars of the New York City borough at the first-ever Bronx Children’s Museum Gala.
“Growing up in the Bronx shaped my mind, my heart, and my creative soul. I was fortunate to have parents who always encouraged my artistic pursuits and passions,” Washington said in a press release.
The museum holds a spot in Kerry’s heart not only because of where it is located but because of her mother, Valerie Washington, who serves on the board. Valerie will present her daughter with the award during the event.
“I know how vital it is to provide kids with places that inspire them to think, create and dream. I am honored to support our very own Bronx Children’s Museum,” she added.
Fans of Scandal surely won’t want to miss the gala as the night’s festivities include a live auction for a visit to the set of the drama in Los Angeles.
Other prizes being auctioned off include premium tickets to Hamilton and three other top-rated Broadway shows, a meet-and-greet with Jennifer Lopez at her Las Vegas show, “All I Have,” a morning on the set of the ABC daytime talk show The View, and rides in a fully-restored WWII plane owned by another of night’s honorees, Rafael Collado.
Collado is a successful entrepreneur, having built and sold three companies. Playwright, author, and activist Richard Abrons will also be honored during the gala.
Founded in 2005, the Bronx Children’s Museum “provides highly effective and innovative inquiry-based educational programs and exhibits to children and families throughout the Bronx.”
“When we learned a decade ago that the Bronx was the only New York City borough without a Children’s Museum, we were stunned, we are,” said Hope Harley, President of the Bronx Children’s Museum Board of Directors.
“Not only are we bringing equity to the Bronx, but we are redefining what it means to be a children’s museum in the 21st century,” she added, noting that BCM will soon start construction on a new site near Yankee Stadium.
“The Museum will always operate with and without walls… and we will have our walls by the end of 2018.”
Special guest appearances at the gala include comedian and Bronx native Tracy Morgan as well as Bronx-born jazz pianist and composer, Dr. Valerie Capers with Sounds by recording artist and producer Swizz Beatz.
“It will be a historic event,” said BCM Founding Executive Director Carla Precht “with former Bronx children coming back to their roots to support the only cultural institution in the Bronx whose sole mission is to inspire and celebrate the children of the borough.”
The Bronx Children’s Museum Gala takes place Tuesday, May 2 at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City.
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