WASHINGTON, D.C - September 17, 22009: Marc Anthony was honored last night in Washington D.C. with The 2009 CHCI Chair's Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hispanic Caucus Institute. Hon. Nydia Velazquez CHCI Chair presented the award at their 32nd Annual Awards Gala last night. President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama attended the ceremony and congratulated Marc on his birthday and his career milestone.

The event was also attended by Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actor John Leguizamo, Senator Robert Menendez and Hon. Jose E. Serrano among other important figures of the Hispanic Community.

Marc was honored not only for his landmark achievements as an entertainer, but most importantly for bringing Latin music and culture into the mainstream and bringing honor and pride to the Hispanic American community. The Chair's Award is presented each year to an individual who has dedicated his or her public or private career to improving the lives of Hispanic Americans. The Chair's Award was first conferred in 2003.
Yesterday the performer announced the creation of the "Marc Anthony Scholarship Fund". The Marc Anthony Scholarship Fund will provide financial support to Latino students that wish to pursue a collage education in the performing arts. The Scholarship will be administered by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

Marc's day in D.C. started with a White House Tour accompanied by his wife Jennifer Lopez and kids followed by a meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss education in the Latino community.