Presents The 6th Annual Performance Series of Legends 2013 Featuring Patti LaBelle The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Monday, March 25, 2013 7:30 pm Performance 9:30 pm VIP Reception Join us for an evening of great music with Patti LaBelle, at the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall, in a
concert benefiting the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Ellington’s talented students will be
sharing the stage with the sensational songstress for an epic performance you should not miss!
THE PERFORMANCE SERIES OF LEGENDS
The Performance Series of Legends is Ellington’s signature event, which began in 2008 and has
since become a staple event in Washington, DC. Annually held at the Kennedy Center, this benefit
concert is a major fundraiser for the school and its young talented students. Past performers have
included greats like Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Smokey Robinson; as well as Ellington
graduates- opera singer Denyce Graves and comedian Dave Chappelle. These legendary performers
have not only raised millions of dollars for the school through ticket sales and sponsorships, but
they’ve given us much more in terms of their time, energy and interaction with students in master
classes, performances and much more.
With the 6th Annual Performance Series of Legends, we hope to continue to gain national and
international recognition for the school, raise even more funds to support the Duke Ellington School
of the Arts, and most importantly forge close partnerships with companies and individuals
committed to the arts, young people and education as a whole. This year’s event kicks off the 40th
anniversary series of celebrations for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. We invite you in joining
us as we work to provide our students with the best arts and academic education!
THE DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts is an accredited college preparatory public arts school in the
District of Columbia. Ellington offers pre-professional training in museum studies, literary media
and communications, visual arts, dance, theatre, technical design and production, instrumental
music, and vocal music. Duke Ellington is nationally known for its ability to take ordinary urban
kids with talent and turn them into both academic and artistic successes. Ellington has a longstanding record of having one of the highest graduation rates in the District when other DC high
schools are barely hitting the 50% mark. In 2013, we had a 100% of our seniors graduate with an
overwhelming majority accepted into the best universities and conservatories in the nation.
Duke Ellington consistently hosts high caliber artists who have visited Ellington not only to
perform, but also to offer master classes and to engage with our students on what it means to
succeed and what it takes to get there. These artists are drawn to Ellington and our aspiring young
artists, because they know our students are committed to their craft and are destined to become
premier performers themselves. Robert Townsend, Debbie Allen (a former Ellington dance
instructor), Herbie Hancock and Charles Dutton are a few “legends” in their own right who have
recently visited Ellington to offer hands-on instruction. This year, Patti LaBelle, is following in the
footstep of other successful performers who are willing to support our mission and our students. By
donating her talent, time and energy, she is doing her part in supporting students at the Duke
Ellington School of the Arts.
PATTI LABELLE
Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to
the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful
songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance
and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop
standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of
versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for.
As the melodic doyen of the legendary 60s quartet, Patti LaBelle &
The Bluebelles, and the retro 70s trio, LaBelle—Patti’s kinetic
performances and signature, four-octave instrument served as the
group’s torch. With over 50 years in the music business, the multiple
Grammy and American Music Award winning legend continues to
savor one of the longest sustained recording and touring careers in
contemporary music.
It’s no small wonder that Patti has had time for anything else in between recording and touring, but
she makes time and the world is oh so happy that she has! As an author she’s written five books
including: Don’t Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing
About and Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, all of which charted in the top 10 on the New York Times
best seller list! As an actress Patti has co-starred in numerous films, television specials and her own
series, Out All Night and Living it up with Patti LaBelle. More recently, Patti introduced a line of
signature sauces and marinades called Lady Marmalade and launched a designer bedding collection
with Macy’s, Patti LaBelle Home.
In addition to her amazing career as an entertainer and entrepreneurial success, Ms. LaBelle’s work
as a humanitarian is just as legendary. She remains an advocate for adoption, foster care, Big Sisters
and the United Negro College Fund. Additionally she serves as a spokesperson for the National
Medical Association, The Minority Aids Council and the American Diabetes Association. The
National Cancer Institute and the University of Miami’s prestigious Sylvester Comprehensive Care
Center dedicated a special research laboratory in her honor for her work on behalf of cancer
awareness. among many other initiatives. Patti has also been awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees
from The Berklee College of Music, Cambridge College, Temple University, Drexel University, The
University of Texas and The University of Pennsylvania.
The same motivation that had Patricia Louise Holte blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist
for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles--Labelle, and later to her stellar solo career is the same energy
that keeps her fire burning at sixty+ years young. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God.
I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I
do it…It’s not so much about making money because money is only a tool but it’s about performing
for people. I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.” And the world is
thankful that Ms. Patti’s voice sounds so good to our ears.
WHY BECOME A SPONSOR?
What do FedEx, Renaissance Hotels, T-Mobile, Feld Entertainment, The Kennedy Center, The
George Washington University and firms like Morgan Lewis, Dickstein Shapiro and Sullivan &
Cromwell all have in common? The Duke Ellington School of the Arts! They are all leading
supporters of Duke Ellington who annually sponsor the Performance Series of Legends and remain
dedicated to investing in DC’s youth. What better way that to give back to your community than
through nurturing youth that will shape our future?
The continued success of our students has led to a growing national reputation for the Duke
Ellington School of the Arts. Our students and alumni are routinely chosen to perform in local,
national and international venues, including repeated appearances at the White House. After 38
years in operation, Ellington alumni are now Grammy and Tony-award winners, Emmy-nominated
actors and arts administrators for leading arts institutions around the nation. So when you partner
with Ellington, you are building your brand with a true Washington institution that cultivates young
people that become leading scholars, artists and citizens of our community and the world!
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
We would like for you to be a part of our success! Sponsoring the 6th Annual Performance Series of
Legends is a unique opportunity for your organization to support one of the leading arts schools in
the nation. As a sponsor, your organization will:
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Have an opportunity to meet Patti LaBelle at a private party. (Sponsorship levels $10,000 and
above. Space limited.)
Gain exposure through several marketing and promotional channels leading up to the
benefit concert.
Achieve enhanced visibility in the community.
Become a partner of a leading arts school with proven academic and artistic success.
BENEFIT COMMITTTEE
Honorary Chairs:
DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray
Senator Claire McCaskill (MO)
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley
Malik Yoba
Co-Chairs:
Janet Langhart-Cohen
Annie Whatley
Members:
Danny Andrews
Mason Ashe
Eliot Battle, MD
Sherri Blount
Priscilla Clarke
Edward Cohen
Dennis Cotter
Tedd Davis
Donna Englander
Ari Fitzgerald
Kenneth Hopper
Robert D. Horvath, Jr.
Elfreda Massie
Meredith Morrison
Nancy Racette
Alex Romain
Torrey Shallcross
Thomas Sugrue
Virginia Sullivan
Liv Violette
Lisa Williams-Fauntroy
Sheryl Woods
An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Benefiting the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Monday, March 25, 2013
At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$100,000
Presenting Sponsor of the 2013 Performance Series of Legends.
Verbal recognition from the Kennedy Center Concert Hall stage and prominent recognition in all printed materials
and featured signage at the VIP reception for “An Evening with Patti LaBelle”
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Main stage appearance and recognition during the program
Fifty (50) prime orchestra or box seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Fifty (50) tickets to the VIP Reception
Special recognition as VIP Reception sponsor
Twelve (12) invitations to private party with Patti LaBelle, early March 2013 TBD (space limited)
Ten (10) complimentary tickets to any Duke Ellington School of the Arts performance throughout
the 2013-2014 school year
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events year round
Publications and Collateral Impressions
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Logo placement on all event signage
Logo recognition in the event program
Additional advertising exposure through radio and print media, including recognition in Press
Releases (intermittently distributed to national and local media outlets)
One full-page color advertisement featured in a souvenir book for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition featured in promotional advertisements for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition of event sponsorship in a featured article in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the
Arts’ eNewsletter
Logo on the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ website and/or a hyperlink from the site to the
Sponsor’s website
Corporate visibility at VIP Reception with opportunity to provide promotional gifts to VIP guests
An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Benefiting the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Monday, March 25, 2013
At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP
$50,000
Verbal recognition from the Kennedy Center Concert Hall stage and recognition on featured signage at the VIP
Reception for “An Evening with Patti LaBelle”
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Main stage recognition during the program
Twenty-five (25) prime orchestra or box seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Twenty-five (25) tickets to the VIP Reception
Special recognition as VIP Reception sponsor
Ten (10) invitations to private party with Patti LaBelle, early March 2013 TBD (space limited)
Eight (8) complimentary tickets to any Duke Ellington School of the Arts Performances throughout
the 2013-2014 school year
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events throughout the year
Publications and Collateral Impressions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Logo placement on all event signage
Logo recognition in the event program
One full-page color advertisement featured in a souvenir book for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition featured in promotional advertisements for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition of Event Sponsorship in a featured article in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the
Arts’ eNewsletter
Logo on the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ website and/or a hyperlink from the site to the
Sponsor’s website
Corporate visibility at VIP Reception with opportunity to provide promotional gifts to VIP guests
Recognition in Press Releases (intermittently distributed to national and local media outlets)
SIGNATURE SPONSOR
$25,000
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Fourteen (14) prime orchestra or box seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Fourteen (14) tickets to the VIP Reception
Eight (8) invitations to private party with Patti LaBelle, early March 2013 TBD (space limited)
Six (6) complimentary tickets to any Duke Ellington School of the Arts Performances throughout the
2013-2014 school year
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events throughout the year
Publications and Collateral Impressions
•
•
•
•
One half-page color advertisement featured in a souvenir book for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition featured in promotional advertisements for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition of Event Sponsorship in a featured article in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the
Arts’ eNewsletter
Corporate name visibility with opportunity to provide promotional gifts for the VIP Post-Reception
guests
Recognition in Press Releases (intermittently distributed to national and local media outlets)
An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Benefiting the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Monday, March 25, 2013
At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
PREMIER SPONSOR
$10,000
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Eight (8) Prime orchestra or box seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Eight (8) tickets to the VIP Reception
Four (4) invitations to private party with Patti LaBelle, early March 2013 TBD (space limited)
Four (4) complimentary tickets to any Duke Ellington School of the Arts Performances throughout
the 2013-2014 school year
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events throughout the year
Publications and Collateral Impressions
•
•
•
•
One half-page color advertisement featured in a souvenir program book for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition featured in promotional advertisements for An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Recognition of Event Sponsorship in a featured article in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the
Arts’ eNewsletter
Corporate name visibility with opportunity to provide promotional gifts for VIP Post Reception
guests
Recognition in Press Releases (intermittently distributed to national and local media outlets)
ENCORE SPONSOR
$5,000
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Six (6) prime orchestra or box seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Six (6) tickets to the VIP Reception
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events throughout the year
Publications and Collateral Impressions
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Acknowledgement listing featured in the evening program
Acknowledgement listing featured in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ eNewsletter
BRAVO SPONSOR
$2,500
Robust Entertainment and Hospitality Package
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Four (4) Orchestra seat tickets to An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Four (4) tickets to the VIP Reception
Invitations to other Duke Ellington School of the Arts special events throughout the year
Publications and Collateral Impressions
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•
Acknowledgement listing featured in the evening’s program
Acknowledgement listing featured in Rhythms, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ eNewsletter
An Evening with Patti LaBelle
Benefiting the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Monday, March 25, 2013
At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Sponsorship Agreement Form
To confirm your support, please complete the information below and fax it to (202) 333-7930,
e-mail it to [email protected], or mail it to the address below.
(Must RSVP by March 1st, 2013 to guarantee listing in publications.)
Contact Name: _________________________________________________________________
Company/Organization: _________________________________________________________
Street Address:__________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________ Fax: __________________________________
E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________________
Please List in Printed Materials as: ___________________________________________________________
I/we agree to sponsor An Evening with Patti LaBelle at the following level:
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Presenting Sponsor $100,000
Platinum Sponsor $50,000
Signature Sponsor $25,000
Premier Sponsor $10,000
Encore Sponsor $5,000
Bravo Sponsor $2,500
Individual VIP Ticket(s) $500
Total of ________ Tickets
 I/we are unable to attend but would like
to make a contribution of $_____________
Signature: ________________________________________________Date: _________________________
Company or Individual Title: _______________________________________________________________
Method of Payment: Please provide full payment with the completed Sponsorship Agreement form or mail to the address below. Any
sponsorship not paid upon submission of agreement will be invoiced for the amount of the selected level of sponsorship. Final payments must be
made by COB on March 15th to guarantee tickets.
Payment by Credit Card:
 American Express
 MasterCard
 Visa
Payment by Check:
Make checks payable to The Ellington Fund
3500 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Cardholder’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Card Number: ___________________________________ Expiration Date: _______ Security Code: ______
Cardholder’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________________
For more information please contact: Grace Hong, Chief Development Officer
(202) 333-1235 or [email protected]