Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Honors Arts Humanitarians at 13th Anniversary Celebration

The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office commemorated their 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.

The inspiration for the Arts Humanitarian Awards comes from a quote by 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, organized and promoted by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID). Held monthly, the Art Walk highlights Dupont Circle's art galleries, embassies and other organizations, opening these hidden gems to the community free of charge while allowing artists to display their work in venues throughout the area.

William (Bill) McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID), accepted the Arts Humanitarian Award from Reverend Susan Taylor of the Church of Scientology. McLeod, who has worked to promote Dupont Circle for over 20 years, explained the Art Walk's origins: "Dupont Circle used to be a luxurious residential area. As times changed, what became the thing to do in Dupont Circle was to have an art gallery." He expressed pleasure in working with galleries, organizations, and the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office over the years.

The second 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 while promoting their unique African cultures through traditional dress and artistic performances. Participants must 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.

When accepting her award, Dr. Ndi called several pageant participants to join her and emphasized that the award recognized collective efforts. "This award is about using the arts through fashion and cultural enrichment to impact humanity and make the world a better place," she stated. 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). 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 her fundamental message: "Love only grows if you share it." John Gardecki, a highly accomplished amateur pianist, performed three classical piano pieces for attendees. Chateau also acknowledged long-time WIPAC champion 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 in the arts.