The inaugural Nestpoint Foundation Gala brought together leaders from across the U.S., Thursday evening at the Kennedy Center, where two Montgomery County residents were recognized for their contributions to the community.
The Nestpoint Foundation is a nonprofit conservative group with offices in Dallas and Washington, D.C., founded by Republican political strategist John Thomas and former Fortune 500 executive in the wellness industry Henry Huang. Both are Managing Directors at Nestpoint Group, a government affairs, finance and private equity firm they co-founded staffed with former Trump campaign strategists.
Among the national known figures featured were Megyn Kelly, who spoke about Nestpoint’s mission of “American exceptionalism” and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who was recognized by the group with the Service and Leadership in Defense of Freedom Award.
Among the Montgomery County residents honored was Sarah Charapp, 15, of Potomac, who received the Excellence in Leadership and Community Service Award. Charapp is known in Montgomery County for her wins on the volleyball court, but outside of athletics she has also contributed to her community through her establishment of Good Deeds Day, a time where people can come together to support each other. She explained that her inspiration comes from her grandmother: “My grandma was a very brave woman, and when she passed away, I was inspired to become like her and become a good leader.” Charapp’s work has exemplified how sports and service can intersect to build lasting impact.
In addition, Rockville-based business owner Lori Palatnik for “for dedicating her life to fostering dialogue, understanding, and peace across a multitude of cultures and communities,” according to a Nestpoint Foundation statement.
Also honored was Army Sgt. Juan Alcivar, a volleyball coach who lives in Rockville. He received the Exceptionalism in Sports and Mentoring Award. Alcivar has dedicated his career to empowering veterans and young athletes. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Alcivar spent 10 years in the military, from 2005 through 2015. While serving in Iraq in 2007, he faced a gunshot wound to the leg. Unable to return to active duty, Alcivar started coaching volleyball, making diversity and inclusion in the sport his goal. When asked about what advice he would give to young leaders, Alcivar said, “Don’t forget your past. Take a step back and look at 10-year-old you and think, ‘Wow, I am actually doing it.’”
“One of the things that makes America so exceptional is its people,” said Nestpoint’s Thomas.
The Nespoint Foundation, whose mission is “to support, strengthen, promote, and protect American Exceptionalism at home and abroad,” noted in a pre-event statement that the awards gala was an external program presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center’s rentals office, and was not produced by the Kennedy Center.
