CELEBRATING 25 YEARS : OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
In 2023 , we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our partnership with the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington , D . C . As part of the school ’ s Fall curriculum , our Annual Holiday Card Design Contest has encouraged students to think critically and to explore new artistic methods as they reimagine the cover art for our annual holiday card . Since the program ’ s inception in 1998 , more than 2,000 pieces of student art have been submitted for the contest .
As part of our partnership , Blank Rome makes an annual donation to the school to help continue its mission . Duke Ellington develops students who are considering careers in the arts by providing intensive , specialized instruction and strong academic programs to prepare them for postsecondary education and professional careers .
Each December , the participating students are celebrated with a luncheon at our Washington , D . C ., office complete with a pop-up gallery of their artwork . The first - , second - , and third -place winners of the contest are announced .
“ Our partnership offers the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on students ’ lives while contributing to their educational and artistic goals ,” said Shawn M . Wright , attorney and co-chair of our Washington , D . C ., office .
James D . Kelly , attorney and co-chair of our Washington , D . C ., office , added , “ Over the years it has been a privilege to engage with the students and watch them develop their own unique artistic style . We look forward to continuing our special relationship with The Duke Ellington School of the Arts .”
BLANK ROME COLLEAGUES MAKE A COLLECTIVE IMPACT THROUGH THE UNITED WAY
For more than 25 years , Blank Rome colleagues have participated in the United Way Employee Giving Campaign to support hundreds of nonprofits and causes of their choice . Collectively , our firm and colleagues have donated nearly four million dollars through the United Way .
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