The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office commemorated its 13th Anniversary event at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC, bringing the community together to honor individuals and groups for their humanitarian efforts to improve society through the arts. Executive Director Beth Akiyama gave an overview of the National Affairs Office's work over the last year in the fields of the arts, human rights, disaster response, drug education, and the protection of religious freedom internationally. Following the overview, the Arts Humanitarian Awards were presented, inspired by a quote from humanitarian and Founder of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard: "A civilization is as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists."
The first award recognized the First Friday: Dupont Circle Art Walk, which is organized and promoted by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID). Held every month, the Art Walk highlights Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies and other organizations, opening up these hidden gems in Dupont Circle to the community free of charge. The executive director of the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District, William McLeod, accepted the Arts Humanitarian Award from Reverend Susan Taylor of the Church of Scientology, noting his pleasure in working with galleries, organizations, and the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office for many years.
The next awardee was Dr. Kate Ndi, founder and CEO of the Miss Africa USA pageant. Through Dr. Ndi's work, young African women living in the United States are empowered to become leaders, promoting their unique African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants are required to have a humanitarian platform such as human rights, disability rights, the arts, education or similar causes through which they strive to improve society. In July, Dr. Ndi led a delegation of Miss Africa USA finalists to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where they represented six countries at the Youth for Human Rights International Summit, which is sponsored by the Church of Scientology International. Dr. Ndi emphasized that the award recognized using arts through fashion and cultural enrichment to impact humanity and make the world a better place.
The final award was a Lifetime Achievement Arts Humanitarian Award given to Chateau and John Gardecki, founders of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). Twenty-five years ago, their love of classical piano music first led them to inspire adult, nonprofessional pianists to enter their Washington International Piano Arts Council competition. Established in 2002, WIPAC has held 20 annual competitions for nonprofessional pianists who come to Washington, DC, from around the world to extend their artistry. In accepting the award, Chateau thanked her board members and all who helped make WIPAC successful, sharing the message that "Love only grows if you share it." John Gardecki, a highly accomplished amateur pianist, performed three classical piano pieces, while Chateau acknowledged long-time champion of WIPAC, embassy liaison Rhoda Septilici, who first introduced WIPAC to the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2013. The event underscored the commitment of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office to recognizing and supporting individuals who enrich society through their humanitarian efforts.
