We kicked-off the 2011 conference in style, and we left New Orleans with the same energy and passion.

Attendees enjoyed music from R&B legend Percy Sledge and a celebration of truly inspiring Champions of Service.

Luminaries including the “Daily Show’s” British Correspondent John Oliver, New Orleans chef John Besh, CNBC’s Nicole Lapin and First Lady of New Orleans Cheryl Landrieu presented awards to volunteers from across the country.

CNCS Board Chair Mark Gearan awarded the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll to six universities for outstanding civic engagement.

Points of Light Institute CEO Michelle Nunn and acting CNCS CEO Robert Velasco, II said good-bye to the Big Easy and set the course for the future.

We learned about the volunteer sector’s plan for the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, where Points of Light’s HandsOn Network, MyGoodDeed, CNCS and dozens of other organizations will work together to create the single-largest expression of service in history.