A
benefit concert at Washington's famed 9:30 Club by the "Coalition
of the Willing," Ambassador Simonyi's rock band, raised $65,000 in
corporate donations, ticket sales and a silent auction for the Pulmonary
Hypertension Association (PHA) yesterday. Pulmonary hypertension is a
simplified name for a complex health problem that involves continuous
high blood pressure in the lungs, resulting in an enlarged heart which
can lose its ability to pump. The Association is a non-profit
organization dedicated to seeking a cure for the disease and providing
support and awareness to the pulmonary hypertension community.
The
concert's opening remarks were delivered by Rino Aldrighetti, President
and CEO of the PHA, Jack Valenti, former president of the MPAA, and
Hungarian-born representative Tom Lantos. Charity Sunshine, the 22-year
old opera-singer and granddaughter of Rep. Lantos, joined the rock band
for a few songs on this special occasion. Charity was diagnosed with
pulmonary hypertension a few years ago, while studying in Hungary's
Liszt Music Academy.
The
Washington-based classic rock/blues band includes Dan Poneman, a
principal with the Scowcroft Group and a former presidential aide, on
guitar; Ambassador Simonyi on guitar; USWIB Executive Director Dan
McDermott on drums; Lincoln Bloomfield, President of the international
business advisory firm Palmer Coates LLC and former Assistant Secretary
of State, on bass; along with legendary guitarist Jeff "Skunk"
Baxter, formerly with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, currently a
missile defense advisor to the Pentagon and the musical director of the
band.
The "Coalition of Willing" on stage at the
9:30 Club
Ambassador Simonyi accompanied Charity Sunshine on
guitar
Tom and Anette Lantos came to watch their
granddaughter, Charity, sing with the band
Charity Sunshine, center, with her sister and Mrs.
Simonyi
Former Doobie Brother Jeff "Skunk" Baxter
Jack Valenti and wife with Ambassador Simonyi
Former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft with
Lincoln Bloomfield and Dan Poneman
Ambassador Simonyi with the Swedish and Danish
Ambassadors to the U.S.
The Embassy's Mária Vass with Dan Poneman
