Icon Marc Anthony to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Marc Anthony will be honored not only for his landmark achievements as an entertainer, but most importantly for bringing Latin music and culture into the mainstream and bringing honor and pride to the Hispanic American community. The five-time Grammy winner is not only the biggest selling salsa singer of all time, but also an accomplished actor and producer. Each year, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala is the hallmark event that launches Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., and serves as the unifying event for the Hispanic American community. The Gala program each year is developed around a unifying theme that highlights CHCI, its mission and programs, the CHCI Medallion of Excellence honorees, and culminates with the grand finale presentation of the Chair's Award. This year's theme is Latinos Leading in the Arts. The 32nd Annual Awards Gala is hosted by CHCI's Legacy Partner, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The Chair's Award is presented each year to an individual who has dedicated his or her public or private career to improving the lives of Hispanic Americans. The honoree is chosen wholly at the Chair's discretion. The Chair's Award was first conferred in 2003. Past recipients include: 2003 Ricky Martin Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 - October 15. For CHCI, it also represents an opportunity to highlight its competitive and nationally acclaimed Latino youth leadership development programs, including two fellowship programs, a Congressional internship program, scholarship awards, and a college readiness program, Ready to Lead (R2L) for high school students. 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Registration and Sponsorship Options are now available online at www.chci.org. Mark your calendars: September 16 About Marc Anthony Driven in part by the crossover success of his smash single "I Need to Know (Dimelo)," "Marc Anthony," his English language debut album, helped usher in 1999's Latin pop explosion, and went on to achieve triple platinum status in the U.S. And, in 2005 Marc Anthony went home double fisted with a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album of the Year for "Amar Sin Mentiras" and another Grammy for Best Tropical Album of the Year for "Valio la Pena." He has won a total of 18 "Premio lo Nuestro" Awards throughout his career, the most won by any artist. Marc has also established a highly credible acting résumé and may be seen in Martin Scorsese's "Bringing Out the Dead" (1999); opposite Selma Hayak in the Showtime original film, "In the Time of the Butterflies" (2001); and appears with Denzel Washington and Christopher Walken in director Tony Scott's "Man On Fire" (2004). He also appeared in the 1997 Paul Simon musical, "The Capeman." Marc Anthony starred as the Puerto Rican salsa pioneer Héctor Lavoe, with Jennifer Lopez as Puchi, in the biopic, "El Cantante," directed by Leon Ichaso. About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
WASHINGTON, D.C - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced Puerto Rican singer Marc Anthony as the recipient of the 2009 CHCI Chair's Award. Hon. Nydia Velazquez (NY-12), CHCI Chair, will honor Anthony, one of the most influential artists of his generation, with the prestigious "2009 CHCI Chair's Lifetime Achievement Award" at CHCI's 32nd Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in Washington, D.C.
2004 Jorge Ramos
2005 Rita Moreno
2006 Maria Elena Salinas
2007 Tribute to Latino Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
2008 Hon. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27)
Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18)
Hon. Jose E. Serrano (NY-16)
September 13-15
CHCI Public Policy Conference
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
September 15
Ready to Lead (R2L)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
September 15
Reyes of Comedy Night
Warner Theatre
Washington, DC
CHCI 32nd Annual Awards Gala
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
Marc Anthony has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has been awarded over 12 Latin and Standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The list of Grammy accolades begins with a 1998 Grammy for Best Latin/Tropical Performance for "Contra La Corriente," followed with a 1999 Grammy for Song of the Year for "Dimelo."
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.
Media Contact:
Scott Gunderson Rosa: (202) 548-5876
