Members of the ACA and NASP at the CEF Gala
September 20, 2007, Washington, D.C.
l-r Ted Feinberg (NASP), David Kaplan (ACA),
Brian Canfield (ACA), Susan Gorin (NASP),
Chris Campbell (ACA)The Committee for Education Funding (CEF) held its 38th Annual Legislative Conference and Gala on September 20 in Washington, D.C.  CEF is a coalition of 104 organizations, including ACA, working together to increase support for the federal government’s investment in all areas of education.  The CEF Gala is the premier event for the education community and brings together hundreds of education professionals, members of Congress, staff, and the Administration to celebrate the benefits and accomplishments of federal education investment.

This year’s Legislative Conference was held on Capitol Hill and featured several members of Congress, including Rep. Linda Robal-Allard (D-CA), Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA).

During the Legislative Conference, Representatives David Obey (D-WI) and Jim Walsh R-NY), the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, were awarded the William H. Natcher Distinguished Service Award for their efforts this year to “elevate the priority for education funding to ensure better opportunities for our nation’s citizens.”

At this year’s Gala dinner, former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush were honored with the Charles Wilson Lee Citizen Service Award for their efforts to help students and families in the states affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

In addition, Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY) was presented with the Outstanding New Member Award.

Among the 500 guests at this year’s CEF Gala dinner were ACA President, Brian Canfield; ACA Chief Professional Officer, David Kaplan; ACA Assistant Director of Public Policy and Legislation, Chris Campbell; and ACA Lobbyist Peter Atlee.