The David Lynch Foundation, a global charitable organization that addresses the epidemic of trauma and toxic stress amongst at-risk populations, hosted the “National Night of Laughter and Song,” on June 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall in Washington, D.C. The star-studded event featured music and stand-up comedy raising support for the foundation’s mission of providing stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation to veterans with post-traumatic stress, inner-city youth, and women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Celebs in attendance included Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Hugh Jackman, and Katie Couric.

Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Candy Crowley, an award-winning journalist, were both honored with the “Lifetime of Service to the Public Good Award.” Dr. George H. Rutherford, II, a 52-year public school educator and principal of the Ideal Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., was honored with the “Lifetime of Service to America’s Youth Award.” Rona and Jeffrey Abramson were honored with the “Lifetime of Creating Peace Award.” Ms. Abramson is a global leader bringing Transcendental Meditation to at-risk girls worldwide and Mr. Abramson works with Partner in the Tower, a family-owned real estate development company in Rockville, Maryland.

The David Lynch Foundation focuses their efforts on underserved inner-city students, veterans with PTSD and their families, and women and children who are survivors of violence and abuse. Proceeds from the event will be used to teach meditation to 10,000 at-risk youth and veterans in the greater Washington, D.C. area in partnership with veteran service organizations, public schools and after-school clubs, women’s centers, correctional institutions, homeless shelters, and Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campuses.