Gardner/Mills
Group, LLC works closely with our clients to define goals and shape
our scope of work to maximize efforts while creating a seamless working
relationship. For each client, we develop a highly specialized action
plan and provide hands-on supervision and involvement by the principals
World Wildlife Fund
Retained to coordinate the logistics and entertainment, and provide fundraising support
for a major evening event at the Mellon Auditorium honoring William Reilly, scheduled
for May 2010.
ArbitronInc
For six consecutive years (2003-2008), conceived and organized all aspects of a 3-day
annual incentive trip for 100+ guests for this Fortune 100 company headquartered in Maryland.
- Key West, Florida - 2008: Teams darted around Key West on a golf cart Scavenger Hunt with
lunch at the Truman Little White House, cruised on a glass bottom boat followed by dinner at
the Audubon Home and Gardens, and danced at a private nightclub following dinner at Antonia’s.
- San Francisco, California - 2007: Guests teamed up for a wine blending exercise and lunch at
Viansa Winery, sampled a tasting menu at the Asian Art Museum, viewed the city from the Top
of the Mark and danced at the Great American Music Hall.
- Naples, Florida - 2006: A drum cafe and tented lunch were held at Ngala private game
preserve, guests cruised in a private yacht charter and enjoyed dinner and dancing at Yabba
Island Grill and dinner at the Naples Museum of Art.
- San Diego, California - 2005: Guests enjoyed a beach party at the private La Jolla Beach
and Tennis Club, al fresco lunch at the Orfila Winery, and special activities from photo safaris
to whale watching.
- Los Angeles, California – 2004: Itinerary included private Universal Studios backlot tour
and lunch, beach party at the private Jonathan Club on Santa Monica Beach, and 1950s supper club
at Cicada with a Frank Sinatra impersonator.
- New Orleans, LA – 2003: Trip included private Preservation Hall concert followed by dinner
at Galatoires, swamp tour with Cajun cookout, and dinner dance at the Pavilion of the Twin Sisters
in City Park.
Retained again for the 2009 event.
Goldman Environmental Prize Awards,
National Geographic Society
For four consecutive years (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008), implemented the Washington, D.C.
program at the National Geographic Society to introduce the six international
awardees of the respected Goldman Environmental Prize and acknowledge the
commitment and critical work each is performing to improve the environment
in their country. Multi-faceted audio visual program and remarks with simultaneous
translation in the Grosvenor Auditorium, followed by a reception for 400 guests.
Retained again for the 2009 10th Anniversary event.
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
For two consecutive years (2007 and 2008), consulted on format, coordinated logistics,
and provided fundraising support for NCQA's Health Quality Awards at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium
and attended by 450 guests. For 2007 NBC's national health correspondent, Robert Bazell,
emceed the program, which included an address by former Speaker of the House
Newt Gingrich. The honorees for 2008 included Senator Edward Kennedy and Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger and the emcee for the evening was NPR's Mara Liasson.
Retained again for the March 2009 event.
LexisNexis Authors Dinner
Secured venues and organized seated dinners for 300 legal authors at the
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC in 2003),
the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Driving Club (Atlanta, GA in 2004),
the Asian Art Museum (San Francisco, CA in 2005), the National Headquarters
of the National Daughters of the American Revolution (Washington, DC in 2006),
the National Geographic Society Headquarters (Washington, DC in 2007), and
the Rainbow Room (New York, NY in 2008).
Retained again for the 2009 event in San Diego, California.
International Center for Journalism
Orchestrated pre-event and on-site logistics for the 2007 Awards Dinner for 500 guests at
the Ronald Reagan Building with George Stephanopoulos as emcee and featuring Tom Brokaw,
Bob Woodruff, Bob Scheiffer, and other media luminaries. (November 2007).
Retained again for the 2008 event.
International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)
Consulted with the IWMF and the National Geographic Society to enhance and broaden
the audience for the 2006 and 2007 IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards, held in the
Gilbert M. Grosvenor Auditorium at the National Geographic Society Headquarters.
Retained again for the 2008 event.
Google
Assisted with invitation list development and follow-up, and consulted on logistics and
production process for the opening of Google's new Washington DC office. (January 2008).
Nature's Best Photography
Coordinated logistics for the 2007 Windland Smith Rice International Awards and the opening
of the exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History, which was attended by 400 guests.
(October 2007).
Environmental Working Group
Provided meeting planning services for this Washington DC-based environmental research
organization (April 2007).
Boston Life Sciences
Secured venue and coordinated logistics for an intimate event, at the Smithsonian
Institution’s Museum of Natural History, for Boston Life Sciences to engage a key
group of medical specialists in April 2007.
American Friends of Hebrew University (AFHU)
Provided fundraising support and event planning services for AFHU's
Annual Gala Scopus Award Dinner in Washington DC (2006 and 2007) and Chicago
(2007). At the 2006 Washington DC event, General Colin L. Powell received
the prestigious Truman Peace Prize and Ambassador Stuart and Wilma
Bernstein were awarded the Scopus Award. The 2007 Washington DC event honored
Morty and Norma Lee Funger, included remarks by Marvin Kalb and Ambassador Salai
Meridor, and was attended by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Governor Martin O'Malley, and
Representative Steny Hoyer.
World Wildlife Fund
Helped conceive and organized the November 2006 memorial service at the National
Cathedral in Washington DC to honor 24 conservationists who lost their lives in a
helicopter accident in Nepal. 700 people attended the ecumenical service.
Campaign for Mental Health Reform
Provided event planning and fundraising support services for the
First Annual National Awards Dinner for Leadership in Mental
Health for the Campaign for Mental Health Reform (CMHR),
an unprecedented collaboration of 16 national mental health organizations,
at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC. The event, emceed by Mike Wallace,
honored former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Senator Gordon Smith, and
Representative Patrick Kennedy, all of whom attended.
Annual Morris K. Udall Awards Dinners (1996 through 2006)
Plan and execute this dinner for approximately 800 guests, with many
Members of Congress, the media, major corporate government relations
offices and pharmaceutical representatives in attendance and with key
Senate and House of Representatives Members present as honorees. From
logistics to fundraising, to dealing with the Hill, evening program,
seating, invitation and dinner program design and printing, GMG handles
all aspects of this high-visibility event.
Planet Arlington World Music Festival
Consulted on fundraising, marketing, and logistics for this new,
signature event for Arlington County, Virginia, featuring renowned
international performers on the grounds of the National Park Service's
Netherlands Carillon on September 2, 2006.
National Geographic Society's
The World of Gilbert M. Grosvenor Gala
On the occasion of Mr. Grosvenor's 75th birthday in May 2006, GMG coordinated
the logistics, choreographed the international entertainment, and
produced a vibrant and exciting program to attract financial support
for this first time National Geographic Society sponsorship event.
With Tom Brokaw as emcee, the Society's leadership, distinguished
international diplomatic, business, and cultural leaders, and the
Society’s renowned photographers and explorers attended this
1,000-guest black tie and national dress gala to honor Mr.
Grosvenor's lifetime of achievement and contribution to geographic
learning in classrooms throughout the United States.
Parkinson's Action Network Public Policy Forum
Planned and executed 3-day annual conference in Washington, D.C. for 200+
Parkinson's patients, caregivers and advocacy community, including workshops,
visits with Members of Congress, transportation, meals, signage, speakers,
registration and registration materials. Secured funding to help underwrite
conference in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006.
Product Quality Research Institute (PQRI)
Planned and organized a two-day conference in December 2005 on the occasion
of the release of a major scientific study concerning drug leachables and
extractables. Senior FDA and NIH representatives, as well as international
pharmaceutical and industry researchers and analysts spoke and attended.
Included registration, materials design and production, on-site logistics
management, meal planning and a special reception for all attendees.
Young Presidents' Organization (YPO)
GMG organized two social evenings for 1,500 international CEOs at the
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and National Building Museum,
respectively. Each event was themed with multiple simultaneous performances
from jazz and swing music to the President's Color Guard and U.S. Marine Band.
Also provided talent for the Opening Ceremony and consulted on the Spouse Program,
expanding the activities offered.
Walter Cronkite Stewardship Award
with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project
Event coordination working closely with Mr. Cronkite, Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road
Project and Mickey Hart and his band to benefit the World Foundation for
Environmental Development. The National Geographic Society and Smithsonian
Institution also were involved in the evening's program.
2004 GOP Convention, New York City,
Republican Majority for Choice Reception
Provided fundraising support, raising close to $1 million, and planned and
implemented this Convention evening at the top of the MetLife Building with
speakers and attendees including New York's Mayor Bloomberg and Mrs. Pataki
to Secretary Tommy Thompson and numerous Members of Congress.
Center for American Progress
For this high visibility October 2003 two-day conference, "New
American Strategies for Security and Peace," at the Wardman Park
Hotel in Washington, D.C., managed all aspects of the meeting from development
of materials to registration of over 600 attendees, coordination of
all meeting logistics (presentations, panels, break-out rooms, meals),
to accommodating major media who covered speakers from Presidential
candidate Wesley Clark to Senators Joe Biden and Chuck Hagel, and Congressman
Jim Leach.
Landmine Awareness Day with Her Majesty Queen Noor
Managed all aspects of a luncheon briefing with the Congressional Caucus
for Women's Issues, press conference, and intimate fundraising
reception and dinner to benefit the Landmine Survivors Network.
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Coordinated logistics, fundraising and media relations for
the first Tikkun Olam Humanitarian Award Dinner honoring Kenneth
Feinberg, Special Master of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund,
at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Yellowstone Revealed with Walter Cronkite
Secured corporate support for the film and coordinated the national
premiere for 1,000 guests at the Department of the Interior for Yellowstone
National Park and the World Foundation for Environment and Development,
followed by a VIP dinner off-site.
National Launch of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Organized a sold-out dinner in the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom
with Michael J. Fox, Heather Locklear, Pat O'Brien, and other special
guests, including media relations and fundraising.
9/11 Arlington Remembers
Conceived and executed flag unfurling ceremony at Key Bridge and evening
concert at The Netherlands Carillon (5,000 attendees at each event)
for Arlington County's one-year anniversary commemoration of September
11th, including all aspects of event logistics, fundraising, promotion,
and publicity.
2002 and 2003 Events: Arlington's Day of Remembrance
and Appreciation
Coordinated community events for 6,000 attendees to honor the September
11 Pentagon victims and rescue workers, including marketing, publicity,
and fundraising.
ChildhelpUSA Children's Center of Virginia
Coordinated the opening, including media relations and fundraising support,
of this new child abuse facility in Fairfax, VA attended by Governor
Mark Warner, Rep. Tom Davis, Rep. Frank Wolf and others.
OLIVER Awards Dinner Honoring First Lady
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Representative Tom DeLay
Secured sponsors for the Awards Dinner benefiting the Orphan Foundation
of America at the J.W. Marriott.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Provided strategic fundraising consultation and secured sponsors for
the 2002 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Dinner honoring Sen. Tom
Daschle at the Monarch Hotel.
International Council for Science Meeting
Provided pre-event logistical support and on-site event management in
Budapest, Hungary for the Program for Capacity Building in Science.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (U.S.)
Consulted and provided on-site support for the launch of the FTD Diana
Bouquet at AmericasMart in Atlanta, GA, and developed a U.S.-based fundraising
strategy report.
2000 and 2001 Inaugural Demonstration Tours of the EH101 Helicopter
Coordinated flight demonstrations of the new helicopter for EH Industries,
a joint venture between Italy's Agusta and the UK's GKN
Westland, including marketing and media relations support.
10th Anniversary Celebration of EARTH University
Managed all aspects of the reception, including list development and
media relations, at the Organization of American States, Washington,
DC hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Costa Rica.
World Wildlife Fund "Global Forum"
Managed all aspects of an international Forum in Miami, Florida for
200 attendees including registration, ground transportation, meals, and
off-site dinner, conference presentations, and meeting logistics.
Dinner with President Bongo of Gabon and Conservationist Michael Fay
Developed audience, secured corporate support, and managed event at
the National Geographic Society hosted by a Congressional delegation.
The Washington Home and Hospice
Conducted in-depth analysis of previous and existing fundraising and
event strategies and produced a comprehensive development plan.
4th Annual Walk for Hospice for the Washington Home and Hospice
Restructured and expanded this annual event to capacity, including fundraising
and event planning.
Event management highlights prior to the formation of GMG:
Business-Government Relations Council
Coordinated the annual meeting and conference at The Greenbrier
Resort, West Virginia.
International Geographical Conference (IGC) sponsored by the National Geographic Society
Managed all aspects of the conference which included speakers and
participants from around the world.
National Museum of American History
Supervised numerous events for 5,000+ guests with coordination with
government agencies.
Premiere of Top Gun with Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer for the Association of Naval Aviators
Provided comprehensive event management for premiere for 2,500 guests
at the Kennedy Center followed by a dinner dance at a hangar at National
Airport.
Women Against Nuclear War Conference
Coordinated meeting chaired by Joanne Woodward on Capitol Hill with
high-level participants including Sally Field, Dr. Helen Caldicott,
Sherry Lansing, and more.
75th Birthday Celebration for Jacques Yves Cousteau
Managed event and media relations for a lunch hosted by Comsat.
Bush/Dukakis Presidential Debates
Supervised events, media relations and fundraising in three U.S.
markets with ticketed events for 10,000 to 15,000 guests for the Commission
on Presidential Debates.
Friends of the U.S. National Arboretum Annual Dinners
Handled fundraising and event management celebrating the states
of New Jersey and Texas, respectively.
Bill Cosby Concert for Oberlin College
Managed sold-out Kennedy Center benefit performance followed by
off-site VIP dinner.
M*A*S*H* dinner event on the National Mall
Coordinated day-long medical emergency demonstrations followed by
benefit dinner.
American Film Institute gala on the National Mall
Organized tented dinner for 600 with Secretary Baldridge, actor
Chuck Connors and others riding horseback to the event.
An Evening with Itzaak Perlman at the Kennedy Center
Coordinated fundraising and event to benefit the Disability Rights Education and
Defense Fund.
75th Anniversary of the Art in Embassies Program of the U.S. Department of State
Secured underwriting and organized a White House reception followed
by dinner at the Department of State.
Premiere of the 13-part PBS series Millennium
Managed event at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington,
DC sponsored by The Body Shop.
Premiere of the 12-part PBS series The Brain
Coordinated event at the National Science Foundation sponsored by
Ciba-Geigy.
