More than 300 policymakers, nonprofit and professional society leaders, public relations professionals, academicians and mentees turned out on Nov. 6 for a good-natured roast of Washington’s social marketing icon Bill Novelli. The gala drew support for Kidsave, an organization which ensures that every child grows up in a family with love and hope for a successful future. Fundraising efforts exceeded over $230,000 dollars, an amount which will help continue the efforts of an organization dear to Novelli’s heart.
(Pictured above is GYMR partners Sharon Reis and Pattie Yu who flank Bill Novelli at the Novelli roast to benefit Kidsave. Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, under Novelli’s leadership, was GYMR’s first client. GYMR was one of the event sponsors.)
Emcee Alan Murray, assistant managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, set the pace for nonstop ribbing from tennis great Martina Navratilova, ABC’s Sam Donaldson, SEIU’s Andy Stern, AARP COO Tom Nelson and former chairman of Porter/Novelli Bob Druckenmiller who turned up the heat for Novelli’s roast.
For a man whose life goal was once to, “Get a good job at a big company that offered health benefits and the chance to climb the corporate ladder,” Bill Novelli has come a long way. After working as director of advertising at the Peace Corps, Novelli established his name in the powerhouse public relations firm Porter Novelli. In 1990, he “retired” to pursue work in the field of public service and social change. From his work as the executive vice president of CARE, the world's largest private relief and development organization, to his advocacy for public policy as president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Novelli, Bill’s ladder has extended way beyond the corporate world. Named one of the 100 most influential public relations professionals of the 20th century, he has created a legacy for social change and ushered a movement for a healthier and more active baby boomer generation.
Novelli has also received accolades for his work as the former CEO of AARP, an organization infamous for tracking those who have recently made the journey “over the hill.” Murray begged Novelli to have AARP stop calling, texting and emailing him with membership information. “If AARP was in charge of the CIA, they would have found Osama Bin Laden the day he turned 50,” mocked Murray.
After tireless working to free skeletons from Novelli’s closet, Andrew Stern, president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), softened the blows for his long-time friend and fellow UPenn alum. “Bill is a world renowned leader of social marketing, a great sport and a great family member. He is exactly what he says he is. He is a creative thinker and a true optimist. In a city of spin, he is truly authentic.”
“Some people call Obama the Messiah of Washington. Well I think the real Messiah came here 40 years ago, and I am a true believer,” quipped Bob Druckenmiller, former chairman of Porter/Novelli.
“I’ve had to fall back on bald jokes. It’s like trying to make fun of Mother Theresa…except at least she covered her head, ” said Martina Navratilova.
Another roaster for the evening, Tom Nelson, chief operating officer at AARP, watched Novelli seamlessly bring about change for the AARP organization. Within a year, Novelli jumped from executive director of public affairs to CEO, a position which he held for nine years. Now, in his first year as a distinguished professor at the Georgetown School of Business, Novelli aims to leverage a younger generation that will one day follow his legacy and build upon his foundation to reinvent America.
In the firing lines of mock criticism, Novelli never wavered. Joke after joke, punch after punch, like the champ that he is, Novelli stood strong.
Even those throwing the punches ultimately threw in the bag, admitting that nothing bad can be said for the night’s honoree, a man being roasted to benefit untold thousands of orphans. Kidsave miracles like Olga Pleffner-Vernon and Terri Hall described how the organization has given them a second chance to excel in school and work thanks to the support of a loving family.
“There are thousands in this town that like you and believe in you,” said Sam Donaldson, a feat for anyone in Washington.
“The emcee and roasters aided and abetted and beat me up pretty good,” said Novelli, who is honorary director of the Kidsave board. “But I’d walk through fire for Randi and Terry and Kidsave.”