Music Icon Marc Anthony to Receive 2009 CHCI Chair’s Lifetime Achievement Award at 32nd Annual Awards Gala

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.



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

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)



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 ...