Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO, was inducted into the George Washington Spirit Society last night at the annual “Spirit of Mount Vernon” dinner and fundraiser. The Society honors and celebrates individuals who exemplify the outstanding leadership qualities exhibited by the nation’s first president.

Tipton was recognized as an “extraordinary leader of the Washington Association Community, outstanding advocate for the [International] Dairy Foods Association and active member and chair of numerous charitable and advocacy organizations,” and honored for “her exemplary service to her community, the region and the Association industry.”

Also inducted were Representative Todd Young (R-IN), who is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Carmine Martignetti, president and co-owner of Martignetti Companies, who is a philanthropist and leader in the beverage alcohol industry.

This year’s event raised more than $380,000 for the preservation of Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic home overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia. The event also raised $50,000 for the Wounded Warriors Family Support Program.

Co-sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council, IDFA and 10 other trade associations, the evening began with a sunset reception featuring a tasting of rare spirits and an expansive assortment of cheeses donated by IDFA members. The event attracted more than 800 guests, including members of Congress, leaders of major trade associations, industry executives and the media.

MTVernonCheese

 

Generous Donations 

IDFA would like to thank the following members for their generous donations:

  • Agropur Inc.
  • Arla Foods, Inc.
  • Arthur Schuman, Inc.
  • Foremost Farms USA
  • Glanbia plc
  • Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc.
  • MCT Dairies, Inc.
  • Pacific Cheese Co., Inc.
  • Simon’s Specialty Cheese

IDFA and its members have supported the event for the past several years, helping Mount Vernon to raise a grand total of nearly $4 million in support of its educational mission.

In addition to IDFA, the event co-sponsors were:

  • Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America,
  • Distilled Spirits Council of the United States,
  • American Bakers Association,
  • American Bankers Association,
  • American Beverage Association,
  • American Trucking Association,
  • International Franchise Association, 
  • National Association of Chain Drug Stores,
  • National Association of Manufacturers,
  • National Restaurant Association, and
  • National Retail Federation.

For more information, contact Heather Soubra, IDFA director of executive office and special projects, at hsoubra@idfa.org.