2009 Event

Embassy Progressive Dinner
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Our inaugural Embassy Progressive Dinner brought together many friends and guests— including ambassadors, members of the U.S. Congress, current and former heads of state, senior corporate executives, philanthropists, and academics—to celebrate CGD’s independent research and practical ideas for global prosperity.

To begin the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails while being serenaded by the Canadian Tenors at the Residence of the Ambassador of Canada, the Honourable Michael Wilson.

The event then progressed to the Embassy of Italy where His Excellency Giovanni Castellaneta hosted a taste of Italy from Café Milano. As everyone sat down to dinner, the Honourable Belinda Stronach, Executive Vice Chair of Magna Corporation and Chair of the Embassy Progressive Dinner, warmly welcomed guests with a few remarks before CGD’s Board Chair Ed Scott presented the Edward W. Scott Jr. Equity Advocate Award to Patty Stonesifer for her many contributions toward creating a positive and future-oriented view of the developing world. Guests were then treated to a special message from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

For the final stop of the evening, guests moved to the Residence of the Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Antonio de Aguiar Patriota. Here, the lively evening concluded with Brazilian music by Feijoada Completa and an assortment of Brazilian treats. The 2011 Embassy Progressive Dinner celebrating CGD’s 10th Anniversary promises to continue this fun tradition. We hope you will join us!