Historic ‘Dinner with Benjamin Franklin’ a Riveting Success for the O’Connor Institute
The Event: Dinner with Benjamin Franklin
The Cause: Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy
Event Date: November 18, 2022
Location: Arizona Biltmore Resort
Founding Father Sponsors: Christine & Daryl Burton, Burton Family Foundation | Rebecca Pierson & Frederick Pakis, Pakis Family Foundation
Literary Sponsor: Francis & Dionne Najafi
Event Co-Chairs: Sharon & Oliver Harper | Jan & Tom Lewis
Honorary Chairs: F. Francis & Dionne Najafi | Terry & Steve Roman
Keynote Speaker & Honoree: Walter Isaacson, author of “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” and Recipient of the O’Connor Institute Spirit of Democracy Award
Moderator: Evan Thomas
Notable Moments: After guests were seated to enjoy a modern take on a colonial three-course dinner, the incredible Walter Isaacson gave an impressive talk on Franklin’s legacy that was intriguing, educational and inspiring, and in which he noted several striking similarities between the Founding Father and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. The subsequent fireside chat between Isaacson and his fellow journalist and longtime friend Evan Thomas was riveting and offered even greater insight into the genius of Benjamin Franklin. What’s next for Isaacson? Watch for his next book where Elon Musk is the subject. Per tradition, the subject of the 2023 History Dinner was also announced: Frederick Douglass.
Photos courtesy of Marion Rhoades Photography
