The Common Good American Spirit Awards
Thursday, November 21, 6-9:30 pm ET, at The Plaza IN NYC
The Common Good presents an unforgettable evening of captivating conversations and stories of dedication, innovation, and stellar achievement.
Meet us for the American Spirit Awards at the storied Plaza Hotel on Thursday, November 21, 6pm Cocktails and 7pm Dinner. We promise an inspiring evening to celebrate and connect with some of America’s most inspiring heroes.
Come and be part of a night that reaffirms our shared commitment to a brighter future as we honor our remarkable awardees who, through their dedication to the common good, continue to elevate our nation.
Then who they are….
American Spirit Awardees for 2024
Dr. Kimberly Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT
For Dr. Budil’s groundbreaking work in nuclear fusion and its transformative potential for clean energy and climate change mitigation.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE
For Director Clapper’s extraordinary contributions to national security over the decades, particularly in the challenging field of intelligence, and for his vital role in the operation that brought down Osama bin Laden.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson
DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY
For Secretary Johnson’s efforts to safeguard democracy as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Task Force on Public Confidence in Democracy and highlighting his excellent work at the helm of one of the most complicated agencies in the U.S. government.
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE
For Secretary Panetta’s prodigious record of outstanding leadership at several U.S. agencies with mighty results at each, such as balancing the federal budget - an accomplishment which has yet to be matched in the 21st century - to advancing our military readiness and helping to defeat our terrorist foes.
Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners
DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
For Mr. Schwartz’s commitment to issues that extend beyond corporate profits, bringing to business leadership a strong sense of civic purpose by publicly addressing challenges such as income inequality, voting reform, and climate change.
ALSO JOINING US IS OUR INCREDIBLE HOST & PRESENTERS
JIM ACOSTA
THIS YEAR’S AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS HOST
Anchor of CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, airing weekdays at 10aET on CNN. Acosta has served as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, where he covered the Trump administration and the Obama administration from the White House and around the world. He regularly covers presidential press conferences, visits by heads of states, and issues impacting the Executive Branch of the federal government.
CONGRESSWOMAN JANE HARMAN
PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
A nine-term congresswoman from California and former ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, a position she held for four years after 9/11. She recently completed a decade at the nonpartisan Wilson Center as its first female president and CEO, where she is now president emerita and distinguished fellow. Harman is recognized as a national expert at the nexus of security and public policy issues and has received numerous awards for distinguished service.
THE HONORABLE JUDGE J. MICHAEL LUTTIG
PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY AWARD
Appointed by President George W. Bush, he is the former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. On January 6th, 2021, Judge J. Luttig advised former Vice President Mike Pence that he could not overturn the 2020 election results. He now serves cochair of the American Bar Association Task Force on American Democracy.
TICKETING DETAILS
Come alone, bring a friend or buy a table. Join the Host Committee which includes our Cocktail Reception. Help us inform, inspire and engage to make our democracy stronger.
RSVP NOW
AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS AUCTION
Our silent auction supports TCG’s mission to foster a vibrant democracy by encouraging the free exchange of ideas and promoting civil dialogue. By raising funds through this auction, we can expand our forums and initiatives that bring diverse voices together, build mutual understanding, and strengthen civic engagement. Your participation helps bridge divisions in our nation and supports essential conversations that make democracy stronger for all.
Click the link above to browse and bid. Or call 212-599-7040 to donate an item or experience.
“SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY”
“Tears of Roe”
“TEARS OF ROE”
unframed ink-jet print, 30" x 30"
BY BONNIE LAUTENBERG
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST: “I created Tears of Roe after the conservative members of the Supreme Court voted down this freedom for women on June 24, 2022. I was devastated that after 50 years of women having the right to choose, the conservative majority chose to prevent women from making their own decisions about unwanted pregnancies. I created Tears of Roe because Lady Liberty is the symbol of Freedom and Liberty and her tears were a valid symbol of what I felt she would be feeling.”
“SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY
unframed ink-jet print, 30" x 30"
BY BONNIE LAUTENBERG
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST: “I created SAVEOURDEMOCRACY because I was worried about the future of our country with Donald Trump talking about how much he admired dictators like Putan and Xi and was worried what would happen to our country if he was elected President in this recent election. We will know soon enough, but it is most important that we SAVEOURDEMOCRACY.”
THE ARITST: Bonnie Lautenberg is a renowned photographer, writer, philanthropist, and businesswoman whose critically acclaimed work spans decades. In 1993, she photographed the historic Israeli-Palestinian Peace Accord at the White House, capturing President Clinton, Prime Minister Rabin, and Chairman Arafat. Her photograph of Barack Obama, taken before the 2008 presidential election, has been featured in private collections, the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture, and institutions worldwide.
Lautenberg's work is included in the Library of Congress and numerous museum collections, showcasing her ability to capture powerful historical and cultural moments. From political figures to pop icons like Lady Gaga, her diverse portfolio has been exhibited widely, including at Mana Contemporary and Art Hamptons. She is currently compiling a book celebrating 25 years of her political photography.
A Weekend’s Stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin
Enjoy a Three Night Stay on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland: Suite Accommodations, Complimentary Breakfast Daily, One Round of Golf at Links at Perry Cabin, The 1902 Stanley Norman Skipjack Experience for Two, and One 75 minute Couples Massage at SPA at Perry Cabin.
INN AT PERRY CABIN: Having received the distinction of being one of the top resorts in the Mid-Atlantic by Condé Naste and Travel + Leisure, our luxury resort is sure to provide you with a unique, authentic Chesapeake Bay experience. During your stay enjoy Links at Perry Cabin, Spa at Perry Cabin, and our Fleet of seven (7) motoring and sailing vessels designed to explore the area by water. Enjoy waterfront dining in STARS, relax at our zero-edge swimming pool, play a round of bocce or croquet, or grab a complimentary bicycle and discover our historic town of St. Michaels. Whatever you decide, we are certain our favorite corner of the Eastern Shore will soon become yours!
A Weekend’s Stay at Chatham Bars Inn
#1 Resort in New England – 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards
#1 Best Waterfront Hotel/Resort in the USA - USA TODAY 2024 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards
#1 Hotel of the Year Overall Worldwide – 2023 Preferred Hotels & Resorts Awards of Excellence
Enjoy a weekend’s stay for two guests in Chatham Cape Cod, which includes: A Spa Suite for Two Nights with Breakfast Daily, One 4-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings in STARS, Spa Treatments of your Choice, a Day Trip to Nantucket Aboard Shooting Star, Chatham Inn's 38' Shelter Island Runabout and a Day of Fishing Aboard Starstruck, Chatham Inn's 34' Regulator Center Console.
CHATHAM BARS INN: Imagine waking up to a seaside breeze, a fishing fleet leaving for work, and a crimson sun rising over seals relaxing on the sandbars. Welcome to Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod’s Most Beautiful Address. Five Star Oceanfront Luxury on Cape Cod. Iconic. Luxurious. Perfectly Located. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience capturing the essence of a globally recognized vacation destination.
A Night at The Plaza & Tea for Two in the Palm Court
Enjoy a night’s stay in a luxurious king bedroom at The Plaza, with tea for two in the famous Palm Court.
THE PLAZA: Since its debut on October 1, 1907, The Plaza Hotel has remained a New York icon hosting world leaders, dignitaries, captains of industry, Broadway legends, and Hollywood royalty. As an established staple for lavish society affairs and blockbuster films, The Plaza has welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy its magic at the castle on Central Park South for more than 100 years. Ideally situated on Fifth Avenue, The Plaza’s prestigious address continues to define elegance with unmatched service and an ever-evolving modern sensibility.
From feast to fete, The Plaza’s extraordinary portfolio of refined experiences is enjoyed by all who pass through the iconic revolving door. Revel in the magic of Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court and savor the sights in the elegant Champagne Bar.
Offering 282 distinctive guestrooms including 102 luxurious suites, The Plaza continues to strike the balance between its storied past and limitless future with the launch of the Legacy Suite collection. Classic crown molding is juxtaposed against contemporary works of art and lavish fabrics, adding vibrant textural elements to The Plaza’s guestrooms complete with dramatic lighting and beautifully finished woodwork to amplify the impeccable motif.
