Diane Pearson is the Director of Federal Channel at HP Enterprise Security Products, and has 30 years of experience supporting the federal market through sales and business development. Pearson is also an active member AFCEA Bethesda, and has been a committee chairperson for the Children’s Inn Gala, at NIH, since 2006. She is also chairing 2013 event.
WashingtonExec had the chance to talk with Pearson about the Children’s Inn and the Children’s Inn Gala, how she got involved in the first place, who the Inn supports, why the gala is important to her mission, ways to get involved, and more. Read on below for our chat with Diane Pearson.
WashingtonExec: Tell me about the Children’s Inn at NIH and the Children’s Inn Gala. What impact does it have on the children and the families at the Inn?
Diane Pearson: The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a residential facility for seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at the NIH. Often families travel from across the country and around the world to take part in clinical trials at the NIH, the world’s leading biomedical research center. These are stressful times for families, both emotionally and financially, but the Children’s Inn provides hope. To help foster this hope, the Inn serves as an incredible support system and comfortable place to stay on the NIH campus for the children and their families at no cost.
There have been over 11,000 families living at the Inn over the last 21 years, from more than 84 countries and across the United States. The Children’s Inn Gala, hosted by AFCEA Bethesda, is the largest fundraiser for the Inn, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating the Gala’s 15th year in 2013.
WashingtonExec: How did you get involved with the Children’s Inn Gala? What is AFCEA’s role with the Children’s Inn at NIH?
Diane Pearson: I’ve been a member of the Bethesda chapter of AFCEA for the past 10 years. The Children’s Inn Gala is AFCEA Bethesda’s primary philanthropy. In 2013 we will host the 15th Children’s Inn Gala, making this a very exciting year for us, and an exciting year for me as chair. The Inn relies entirely on the generosity of its donors and organizations like AFCEA, so we’re proud to have provided consistent support for almost 15 years.
I began working on the Gala eight years ago when I was recruited by the then current chair to participate. AFCEA Bethesda is dedicated to building a culture of collaboration among the civil government, the Department of Defense, and private industry. More importantly, as a non-profit association, we feel that it is our responsibility to give back to the community.
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The Gala is a wonderful way to give back, because I can immediately see the results of our support for the Inn. I have enjoyed my work with the Gala and the Inn, and feel honored to serve as Children’s Inn Gala chair for 2013.”
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WashingtonExec: How have the Children’s Inn Gala and AFCEA contributed to the Children’s Inn at NIH?
Diane Pearson: The Inn is more than just to a place to stay for its young residents and families. It provides a chance for kids who spend much of their time as patients, shuffled back and forth to hospitals, to be kids. The Children’s Inn depends completely on donations and sponsorships, including those generated from the Gala, to help its residents enjoy their childhood while undergoing difficult treatments. Over the last 14 years, the Gala has donated more than $5 million to the Inn, enabling the Inn to continue serving the NIH patients and their families.
Last year’s Gala raised and donated a record $838,000 to the Inn, an achievement we’re incredibly proud of. This year, we are hoping to break this record. We’re thankful for the support the Gala has received from attendees, sponsors and other related donations, and we look forward to a successful 2013 Gala.
WashingtonExec: When is this year’s Gala? Are there activities leading up to the 2013 Children’s Inn Gala?
Diane Pearson: This year, the Gala will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Marriott Washington Wardman Park in Washington D.C. The event brings together government and industry leaders to support the Inn. The Gala includes a live and silent auction, a casino night and dancing, two raffles, which this year include a trip for two to Barcelona or a London theatre trip, as well as a heartfelt speech from an Inn resident and family that reminds us all why our contributions matter.
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The atmosphere at the Children’s Inn Gala is very inspirational. It’s amazing to see the Federal IT community come together year after year to support this important cause.”
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WashingtonExec: How can others help the Children’s Inn?
Diane Pearson: There are many ways to participate in the Gala including sponsorships, volunteering, attending, donating auction items, and purchasing raffle tickets. Tables can be purchased for $6,000.
To keep up with the Gala and find out how you can help support the Children’s Inn please visit our website and follow the Inn on Twitter at @TheChildrensInn!
