A CAPITAL RENAISSANCE
ROLAND FLAMINI ON THE CHANGING STATE OF OUR ARTS INSTITUTIONS
Pg.73
John and Irene Danilovich at home in georgetown jimmy smits says buenas noche de gala! TOM DASCHLE reaches across the aisle Russ and Norma ramsey on charity & 100 point wine Barbara Harrison on Katie couric
the definitive guide to the 2008–2009 social season
balls & galas The best PARTY LOCATIONS, Tips for event chairs, Gala Must-haves & FALL’S HOTTEST gowns and dresses
EXCLUSIVE
september 2008 • $4.95
Washington Life
PARTIES! PARTIES! PARTIES! Sheila johnson, one of washington’s most generous philanthropists, and nine gala chairs get formal at the st. regis washington Pg.56
special feature | Balls and Galas
THE 2008
Balls Galas and
DIRECTORY
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special feature | Balls and Galas
• September • ¡Smithsonian Con Sabor! Gala
Contact: Ricki Marion, 703-255-
featuring a cocktail reception, awards
1991, rickim@wolftrap.org
presentation and seated dinner followed
Contact: Nancy Landers, 202-296-
by champagne on the Portico of the
5363, AmbassadorsBall@MSandYou.org
Washington Opera Opening Night Gala
- $50,000
National Archives.
What to Expect: The Smithsonian
What to Expect: The Kennedy
Latino Center will will gather 700-
Center Roof Terrace is the setting for
1,000 national Latino community
an evening of dinner and dancing with
Date: September 18 Location: National Archives Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Honey Alexander
leaders, elected officials, members of
a decorative theme in regal tones of
and Riley Temple
event. Guests include Washington
the diplomatic community, corporate
gold and purple to conjure images of romance and glamour.The gala begins
Tickets: By invitation Contact: Ariel Metzger, 202-636-
dignitaries, members of Congress,
executives and other prominent guests to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month
immediately following the Washington
8754, ariel@campbellpeachy.com
members of the USO World Board of
The gala will feature a special awards
National Opera’s season opening
ceremony to recognize prominent
performance of Puccini’s La Bohème.
individuals of Mexican descent who have made positive contributions to U.S. art and culture. Funds raised
USO World Gala
What to Expect: USO World Headquarters pays tribute to our men and women in uniform at this annual
military leadership, celebrities and Governors.Well-known entertainers from USO tours will honor patriotic
Glenn Pearson and his Orchestra
Helping Children Soar Celebration and Benefit
provides music for dancing.
What to Expect: Hosted by The
selected by the Senior Enlisted
Date: September 15 Location: Kennedy Center Roof
Children’s Law Center to support
representatives from each branch of the
from the event will support the
programs helping at-risk children in
armed forces.The Spirit of the USO
Center’s educational activities, public
Terrace
Washington find safe, permanent
Award will be presented to Deputy
programming and outreach.
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Betty Casey Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Elizabeth Early,
homes, education, health care and social
Secretary of Defense Gordon R.
services.The gathering on the Kennedy
England.
Center Roof Terrace includes a buffet
202-295-2449
and the presentation of the Distinguished
Date: September 20 Location: National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: David McIntyre
Date: September 5, 7:30 —10 p.m. Location: National Museum of the American Indian
Attire: Black-tie Tickets: $250 Contact: (202) 298-7704,
heroes, including service members
overlooking the Potomac, entertainment Child Advocate Award.
The National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball
Date: September 18, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Location: The Kennedy Center Roof
(Chairman); Lynne Pace, Jeanne Warner
Terrace Restaurant
WolfTrap Ball
What to Expect: NSO Music
What to Expect: Every year,Wolf
Director Leonard Slatkin will conduct
Attire: Business formal Event Chairmen:Wayne and Dina
Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Stacey Hacker, 703-908-
Trap’s Filene Center Stage is transformed
and introduce teen-age pianist sensation
Curtis
Wickline, 703-714-2378, rwickline@
to represent a featured host country
Peng Peng to Washington along with
hayespr.com
– this time, the Embassy of Greece
a performance by world-renowned
Tickets: $125 Contact: Catharine Clarenbach, 202-
accepted the laurel wreath.The ball
soprano Renée Fleming. Deutsche Bank
467-4900 x567
is one of the cultural center’s largest
is the presenting sponsor.
fundraisers, with all proceeds benefiting
Date: September 16 Location: The Kennedy Center
The Ambassadors Ball What to Expect: Traditionally under
PEN/ Faulkner’s “TWILIGHT ZONES” Nineteenth Annual Gala Celebration
Programs.
Concert Hall and River Terrace
the honorary patronage of the President
reception, followed by readings devoted
Date: September 15, 7 p.m. cocktails, 8
and First Lady, the Ambassadors Ball
to the topic “Twilight Zones” by
p.m. dinner and dancing
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Daris Clifton and
raises funds for the National Multiple
renowned writers Chris Abani, Amy
Location: Filene Center Stage,Wolf
Martin Alloy, Laurel and Vinod Gupta
Sclerosis Society.Washington diplomats,
Bloom, Lynn Freed, Allan Gurganus,
Trap National Park for the Performing
(Ball); Linda and Leonard Slatkin
Congressional leaders and local and
Helon Habila, Amy Hempel,Walter
Arts,Vienna,Va.
(Honorary)
national celebrities enjoy a silent auction,
Kirn, Melissa Pritchard, Richard
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Michael and
Tickets: $1,000 to $50,000 Contact: Leslie Miller, 202-416-8102,
dinner and dancing.
Rodriguez and Anna Deavere Smith. A
www.nationalsymphony.org/nsoball
Date: September 19 Location: Washington Hilton and
seated dinner follows the readings.The
Cynthia Rebibo, Jacqueline and Thomas
Towers
Award for Fiction.
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Diana Enzi and
Date: September 24 Location: Shakespeare Folger Library,
slcconsabor@linderassociates.com.
numerous Wolf Trap Education
Indelicarto
Tickets: Diamond Sponsorship
and Lea Ann Edwards (Co-Chairmen)
6453, shacker@uso.org; Rebecca
What to Expect: A cocktail
evening benefits the PEN/Faulkner
Table $10,500; Silver Table $5,500;
The National Archives Records of Achievement Award
Deborah Dingell
201 East Capitol Street, S.E.
Individual Seat $900, $400
What to Expect: A gala evening
Tickets: $500, tables range from $5,000
Attire: Black-tie
$25,500; Platinum Table $15,500; Gold
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Samia Farouki
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
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special feature | Balls and Galas
Event Chairmen: Sen.Thad Cochran,
Abigail Blunt
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
from www.charityworksdc.org
• October •
Mary Haft, Sen. Patrick Leahy and Susan Richards Shreve
Tickets: $400; $1,000 patron ticket Contact: Deborah Richard, 202-6368743, Deborah@campbellpeachey.com
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Center for the Arts Opening Gala
The HistoryMakers “An Evening with Quincy Jones”
What to Expect: Celebration of the
What to Expect: Musician, composer
renowned artists on the new stage of
and music, television and film producer
the state of the art Sidney Harman Hall
Quincy Jones will be interviewed by
followed by a dinner at the National
PBS correspondent Gwen Ifill about
Building Museum.
his life and career in the entertainment
will benefit HistoryMakers, which has
Date: October 1 Location: Harman Center for the Arts Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Rep. Jane and
the largest African-American history
Sidney Harman, Diane Simmons
archive in the U.S.The program will be
Williams and Anthony Williams
taped for subsequent broadcast on PBS.
(Honorary Chairs); Ann Nitze (Gala
Date: September 27 Location: Jack Morton Auditorium,
Chairwoman)
opening of the new Harman Center, including a gala performance by world
industry. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Herbie Hancock.The event
Tickets: Range from $1,500 per
George Washington University
person to $100,000 for a table of 12
Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Joe Robert and
Contact: Joanne Coutts, 202-547-
Patricia Harris
org
3230 x2330, jcoutts@shakespearetheatre.
Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 202-
National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ Noche de Gala
636-8743, Brenda@campbellpeachey. com
What to Expect: In 1997, Jimmy CharityWorks Dream Ball
Smits, Esai Morales, Sonia Braga, and
What to Expect: The event brings
Felix Sanchez created the NHFA to
together community leaders, supporters
advance the presence of Latinos in
and volunteers to raise funds for its
the media, telecommunications and
2007 partner, Center City Consortium.
entertainment industries.The gala raises
Proceeds will give 2,400 at-risk children
money to fund scholarships for Latino
a top elementary and middle school
graduate students, from eight selected
education.
universities, who are going into these
Date: September 29, 6 p.m. reception,
fields.
7:45 p.m. dinner and dancing, 9 p.m. live auction
Date: October 2 Location: Renaissance Mayflower
Location: The National Building
Hotel
Museum
Event Chairmen:Linda May Bucher,
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Jimmy Smits, Esai
Rose Cohen and Miriam Pollin
Morales, Sonia Braga and Merel Julia
Tickets: $650 Contact: Georgina Potter, 703-
Tickets: $1,250 Contact: Jennifer Castillo, 202-293-
286-0758, CharityWorks@aol.com;
8330, JCastillo@hispanicarts.org
Sponsorship forms may be downloaded
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The 19th Annual Children’s Inn at NIH Dinner
Date: October 11 Location: Kennedy Center Opera
What to Expect: 100 members of
House
Congress and their spouses host this annual event to support one of the most
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Jim Kimsey and
unique and successful organizations
Cappy McGarr
dealing with terminally ill children and their families who have traveled from
Tickets: $1,000 to $50,000 Contact: 202-416-8333, MTP@
afar to stay during treatment for life-
Kennedy-Center.org
Kristen Olsen
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
threatening diseases.
Date: October 10, 6:30 p.m. cocktails, Location: U.S. Chamber of
National Italian American Foundation 32nd Anniversary Gala Awards
Commerce, Hall of Flags
What to Expect: Internationally
7:30 p.m. dinner
Event Chairmen:Debbie Dingell,
prominent Italian Americans are
Chris Downey and Cokie Roberts
honored for their work in business,
Tickets: table of 10, $10,000; two VIP
entertainment, philanthropy, public
tables of 10, $25,000.
service, and the arts. Rock and roll
Contact: Susan O’Neill & Associates,
legend Neil Sedaka will perform, and
301-229-0064
there will be a special postmous salute to founding member Jack Valenti and
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption™ Benefit
awards presented to Martin Scorsese and
What to Expect: The event provides
Connie Stevens. Proceeds from the event
an opportunity for members of Congress
will benefit NIAF’s educational and
to honor the extraordinary work of
cultural programs.
constituents who have enriched the lives
p.m. dinner
Date: October 13 Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: John DeGioia Tickets: $400; $600 (Preferred); $1,000
Location: Ronald Reagan Building
(Premium)
and International Trade Center
Contact: Carolyn Laurenzano, 202-
Attire: Business Event Chairmen:Rep. Ginny Brown-
939-3114, Carolyn@niaf.org
Waite, Sen. Larry Craig, Sen. Mary
Tickets: $350 Contact: Deanna Carlson Stacy,
National Alliance on Mental Illness’ “Unmasking Mental Illness” Benefit
202-544-8500
What to Expect: Cocktail reception,
of foster children and orphans worldwide.
Date: October 10, 6 p.m. reception, 7
Landrieu and Rep. James Oberstar
Rudy Giuliani.The entertainment award will go to Ellen Pompeo, (star of the hit TV series “Grey’s Anatomy”) and Actress
seated dinner and program featuring an
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
award given to a prominent researcher in the field of clinical depression. Al Hunt,
What to Expect: The Kennedy
of Bloomberg News, serves as master
Center presents the 10th annual Mark
of ceremonies.The National Alliance
Twain Prize for American Humor to
on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest
Billy Crystal. “The Kennedy Center
grassroots organization advocating for
Presents:The 2007 Mark Twain Prize,”
the rights of those who suffer from
will air on PBS stations nationwide this
mental illnesses.
fall.
Date: October 17
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Ashley Taylor and Winston Bao Lord
special feature | Balls and Galas
Chairs of the Blah Blah Gala
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Location: Andrew W. Mellon
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Honorary);
Auditorium,
Her Highness Dr. Gabriele Inaara
Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen:Ann Pincus and
Begum Aga Khan (Honorary Vice Chairwoman); Austrian Amb. Eva
The Helen Hayes Awards Benefit Auction
Kay Redfield Jamison
Nowotny, German Amb. Klaus
What to Expect: Spectacular bargains
5574, lchiarel@meridian.org
Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 202636-8743, Brenda@campbellpeachey.
Tickets: $300l; $10,000 or $25,000 per
Scharioth, Swiss Amb. Urs Ziswiler
on exotic trips, exclusive treasures
table of 10s
(Ambassadors of Friendship); May Liang
and elite services to benefit Helen
Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 202-
and Jim Lintott, Lynn and Ted Leonsis
Hayes Awards education and audience
636-8745, brenda@campbellpeachey.
(Co-Chairmen); and Alina and Anthony
development programs.
com
K. Shriver (Co-Vice Chairmen)
Arts for the Aging
Tickets: $500 Contact: Hilary Stephens, 202-824-
com
• November • Alzheimer’s Association 14th Annual Washington Monuments Luncheon
What to Expect: Buffet dinner,
0349, HilaryStephens@bestbuddies.org
Date: October 26 Location: Four Seasons Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Debby and Josh
What to Expect: The Alzheimer’s
international wine tasting, and silent
39th Annual Meridian Ball
Rales
Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s
Women’s Association for Resources and Education (A.W.A.R.E.) honors power couple Kathleen and Chris Matthews.
auction. Proceeds sustain AFTA’s
What to Expect: Meridian
Tickets: $250;Tables and sponsorships
Association, National Capital Area
900 visual, performing and literary
International Center’s largest annual
$2,250 to $10,000
Chapter and its mission to serve the
arts outreach programs for seniors
500,000 people in the Washington
throughout the Washington metropolitan
metropolitan area affected by the disease.
area.
Date: November 1 Location: JW Mariott Hotel Attire: Business Event Chairmen:Melissa Siegel and
Date: October 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Location: Swiss Embassy Residence Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen:Swiss Ambassador
Shawn Taylor
Urs Ziswiler and Ronit Ziswiler
Tickets: $125, $250, $500; Sponsorships
(Honorary); Robert and MaryBeth
are $10,000, $5,000, $3,000 and $1,800
Powers (Event Chairmen); and Dr.
Contact: Jennifer Christiano, 703-359-
Steven B. and Mrs. Julia S. Hopping
4440, monuments@alz.org
(Co-Chairmen)
Tickets: Advance purchase only and
22nd Annual Lombardi Gala
limited space. $125 for those age 39
What to Expect: The Lombardi Gala benefits cancer research, education
and under; $225 for AFTA members; $250 for non-members over age 39.
fundraising event supports ongoing
Contact: Joy Johnson, 202-337-4572,
and treatment at the Lombardi
Contact: Janine Tursini, 301-718-4990,
efforts to address the critical public
jjohnson@helenhayes.org
Comprehensive Cancer Center at
info@aftaarts.org, www.aftaarts.org
diplomacy challenges facing the United
The 19th Annual Best Buddies Ball
States through educational and cultural
What to Expect: This year’s
Georgetown University. It attracts people of influence and dedication – leaders in
programs and by strengthening America’s
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Gala
ties to the world through exchange
What to Expect: The event
sports, and social communities. Dinner,
event, “Celebrating New Friendships
programs, seminars and art exhibitions.
features a cocktail reception,
dancing, a live auction and an awards
in the Alps: Austria, Germany and
The evening begins with dinners hosted
followed by a seated dinner and an
presentation.
Switzerland,” will help support
by ambassadors at their residences
awards presentation. The Reporters
activities for mentally challenged
followed by dessert and dancing at
Committee for Freedom of the Press is
Date: November 3 Location: Washington Hilton and
individuals. Each year, close to 1,000
Meridian House.
an organization dedicated to protecting
Towers
prominent local and international
the First Amendment interests of the
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Dr.Tina Alster and
by entertainment by En Vogue.
Date: October 26 Location: Meridian House Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Isabel Ernst; Lisa
Date: October 20, 6:30 p.m. Location: The Shriver residence in
guests gather at the home of Sargent
news media.
the corporate, diplomatic, congressional,
Paul Frazer
Mae Haney Grennan (White-Meyer
Date: October 30 Location: Anderw Mellon Auditorium Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Boisfeuillet Jones,
Potomac, Md.
Dinner)
Jr. and Bruce Sanford
georgetown.edu
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:California Gov.
Tickets: $500 Contact: Leonor Chiarella, 202-939-
Tickets: $500; $10,000 or $25,000 for
and Eunice Shriver. Dinner followed
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| washingtonlife.com
tables of 10
Tickets: $400; corporate sponsorships begin at $5,000
Contact: Bonnie Roberts, robertsb@
the Sibley Cancer
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special feature | Balls and Galas
Center Benefit
202-725-5604
What to Expect: The “Celebration
Contact: Claudia Bismark,
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: TBA Tickets: TBA Contact: Allison Chance at
202-387-4062 x21, cbismark@
Honorees and Special Guests: Her
National Museum of Women in the Arts 10th Annual Fall Benefit
Majesty Farah Pahlavi and Nancy G.
What to Expect: Proceeds benefit
Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen
the Shenson Chamber Music concerts.
for the Cure. Andrea Roane, anchor
Approximately 300 guests attend,
What to Expect: South African
for WUSA9, will serve as master of
including luminaries from Washington’s
Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
ceremonies.
diplomatic, government and business
Nobel Peace Laureate, author and
Date: November 3 Location: Four Seasons Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Annie Totah and
communities.
spiritual leader, will accept the inaugural
Date: November 8 Location: National Museum of
Cathedral Prize for Advancement in
The Lab School of Washington - 23rd Annual Awards Honoring Outstanding Learning Disabled Achievers
Religious Understanding and Action.
What to Expect: The Lab School
Women in the Arts
The Washington National Cathedral
honors successful adults with learning
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Irene Natividad Tickets: $300; $550 preferred; $4,000
choirs and renowned vocalist Aaron
disabilities and ADHD from all fields
Tickets: $350 Contact: Fern J. Stone, 202-537-4257,
Neville, accompanied by a gospel choir,
of business, entertainment, sports,
will celebrate the spirit of the evening
education, government and the arts
fstone@sibley.org
table for 8 with preferred seating, $5,000
with a musical performance.
and sciences. Past awardees include:
of Hope and Progress” supports the hospital and its cancer programs. 2007
Timothy Albrecht
woodrowwilsonhouse.org
Washington National Cathedral Centennial Gala
202-639-1753
Charles Schwab, Cher, Billy Bob
Fight Night
Thornton and James Carville.
What to Expect: Fight For Children’s annual event features professional
Date: November 11 Location: Washington Hilton and
boxing, sports legends and top-notch
Towers
entertainment. Proceeds support education and health care services
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Larry and Diana
for young people and families in the
Eisenstat
Washington area.
Tickets: $75; $1,000 per VIP ticket
Date: November 8 Location: Washington Hilton and
or $1,5000 for two, $25,000, $10,000,
Towers
tables
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Charles S. Kuhn
2259, martycathcart@labschool.org
$6,000, and $3,000 for sponsorship and
Contact: Marty Cathcart, 202-454-
and Fred Schaufeld
table for 10 with preferred seating
Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Liz Warnecki, 202-772-0416,
Contact: Jillian Timm, 202-266-2815,
Date: November 9 Location: Washington National
jtimm@nmwa.org
Cathedral
liz.warnecki@fightforchildren.org
Knock Out Abuse Against Women 14th Annual Gala
Woodrow Wilson Statesmanship Award Dinner
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Bruce and Marilou
to celebrate the work and life of famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.
What to Expect: Knock Out Abuse
What to Expect: The award
has raised more than $4 million to aid
acknowledges the achievements of a
202-537-6200
women and children whose lives have
distinguished diplomat, scholar, policy
been shattered by abuse, poverty and
maker or another leading professional in
homelessness.The evening includes silent
the field of international relations whose
and live auctions and entertainment.
contributions represent the ideals set
Date: November 8, 6:30 p.m. Location: Ritz Carlton, Downtown Attire: Cocktail Event Chairman:Debra L. Lee Tickets: $500 Contact: Ellen Blankenstein,
forth by President Woodrow Wilson.
64
What to Expect: An intimate dinner
Sanford
Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Kathryn Miller,
Date: November 8 Location: Woodrow Wilson House Attire: Business Event Chairman: Ellen H. Proxmire Tickets: $1,500
Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005
The Corcoran Gallery of Art’s 1869 Society Gala Natural Glamour in Black and White
What to Expect: An elite gathering of young professionals in the famed
Date: November 14 Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art Attire: Creative Cocktail Tickets: TBA Contact: Allison Chance at 202-639–1753
The 2nd Annual Friends of St. Jude Blues Ball
Gallery’s atrium with chic cocktails and
What to Expect: Friends of St. Jude
lively dancing until the wee hours.
is a network of young professionals
Date: November 10
committed to St. Jude Children’s
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Sheila Johnson
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
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special feature | Balls and Galas
Research Hospital who raise funds to
Contact: Cara Martin, 202-293-7827,
prominent business, community and
Contact: Susan O’Neill & Associates,
assist in the daily operating costs of
cara.martin@starlight-midatlantic.org
national political figures are expected
301-229-2046
at this silent auction, cocktail reception
the hospital, educate and promote St. Jude in the D.C. Metropolitan area, and create a fun environment where young
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation 8th Annual Taste of the Stars Gala
and dinner.The “Stars for Children”
What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner,
award will be presented to outstanding
Kennedy Center Honors of 2007
individuals for their contributions to
What to Expect: The annual Honors
metro area children.
Gala is the highlight of the Washington
Date: November 30 Location: Washington Hilton and
cultural year.The 2007 Honorees will
the world’s finest wines.
Tower
performing arts at a gala performance
Attire: Black-tie (optional) Event Chairmen:Luis Lobo and Peter
in the Kennedy Center’s Opera House,
Tickets: $85 Contact: Jeanie Torchio, 703-486-
Date: November 17, 6:30 p.m. Location: Four Seasons Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Susan Ascher and
B.Teeley
United States and Mrs. Bush, and by
Tickets: $500 and up; corporate
artists from around the globe.
4520, jeanie.torchio@stjude.org
Dina Mackney, Sharon Dougherty,
sponsorships available.
Jocelyn Greenan, and Kristen Olson
Contact: Vivian R.Thompson-
Date: December 2 Location: Kennedy Center Opera
professionals can gather.
Date: November 15 Location: The Galleria at Lafayette Centre
Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen:Hosted by Friends of St. Jude
dancing, and live and silent auctions of
be saluted by stars from the world of the
National Defense University Foundation’s American Patriot Award Gala
to be attended by the President of the
House
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: TBD Contact: TBD
What to Expect: The award recognizes Americans whose
The Choral Arts Society of Washington’s 27th Annual Holiday Gala and Silent Auction
inspirational leadership and selfless dedication symbolize our nation’s ideals, values and democratic principles.This year’s recipients are Sen. John Warner and Rep. Ike Skelton.
What to Expect: This highlight
Date: November 16, 6:30 p.m.
of the holiday season is attended by
reception, 7:30 p.m. dinner
Washington’s political, diplomatic,
Location: The Ronald Reagan
business and cultural leaders. The gala
Building and International Trade Center
(Honorary)
Goldstein, (410) 923-0506, vthompson@
includes a Christmas Music concert,
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: TBD Contact: Nancy Miller, 202-685-
Tickets: $400 Contact: Cara Martin, 202-293-7827,
aol.com
followed by dinner, dancing and a
2527, millern@nduf.org, www.
Festival of Heroes
21 Annual SOME Gala
AmericanPatriotAward.org
What to Expect: Dinner and dancing
What to Expect: A silent auction
to celebrate the heroes of the Center
and dinner dance to benefit So Others
for Cancer and Blood Disorders at
Might Eat (SOME). Since 1970, SOME
Date: December 17 Location: The Kennedy Center Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Finnish Amb. Pekka
Children’s National Medical Center.
has been committed to bettering life for
Lintu and Laurel Colless
Date: November 17 Location: North Bethesda Marriott Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Deidre Adkins Tickets: For ticket pricing and
the homeless and needy by providing affordable housing, job training,
Tickets: $600; $6,000 per table Contact: Emily Riffle, 202-244-3669
addiction treatment and counseling for
x20, eriffle@choralarts.org
Date: November 16, 7 p.m. Location: Citronelle Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen:Rick Genderson,
sponsorship information, see below.
and silent auction, 7:30 p.m. dinner
Contact: Danielle Beyda, 301-565-
Location: The Newseum Event Chairmen:Corporate Advisory
Tom Shelton, and Jeff Zell
“The BasketBall” XIII Gala
Tickets: $200; $3,000 to $10,000 for
What to Expect: An evening of
Tickets: $1,250
What to Expect: Top athletes and
tables
cocktails, sweets, and dancing with
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation Taste of the Stars Exclusive Wine Dinner
What to Expect: A gourmet multicourse meal paired with rare and collectible wine.
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cara.martin@starlight-midatlantic.org
8522, dbeyda@cnmc.org
• December •
silent auction at the Kennedy Center. Proceeds fund the Society’s artistic and community outreach activities.
st
the elderly and mentally ill.
Date: December 1, 6:30 p.m. cocktails
Board
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• January • Children’s National medical Center “Dancing After Dark”
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Contribution
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special feature | Balls and Galas
Beth Dorowitz
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
Washington’s young philanthropists to
benefit the Opera and its Center for
benefit Children’s National Medical
Education and Training. This year’s gala,
Center.
given under the patronage of Indian
Date: January 12 Location: Posh Restaurant & Supper
Amb. Ronan Sen celebrates the city of
Club
Mahal.
Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: $85; $150 per couple Contact: Danielle Beyda, dbeyda@
Date: February 9 Location: Andrew W. Mellon
Agra and the romantic story of the Taj
Auditorium
cnmc.org; Grace Easby-Smith gesmith@
Attire: Black-tie or national dress Event Chairmen:Caroline Boutté
cnmc.org; 301-565-8500
and Kim Nettles
Tickets: TBD Contact: Elizabeth Early, 202-295-
• February •
2449, eearly@dc-opera.org
10th Annual Gourmet Gala: Mardi Gras for the Kids
What to Expect: D.C.’s most
“And the Winner Is… Tracy’s Kids”
critically acclaimed and commercially
What to Expect: Enjoy the year’s
successful restaurants come together
best films before Hollywood’s big night
to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s
with all the glitter Tinseltown has to
Research Hospital.
offer. “And the Winner Is…Tracy’s Kids”
Date: February 5 Location: National Building Museum Attire: Business Event Chairmen:Allan McArtor,Tom
enables people to walk the red carpet
Wertz and Tom Liljenquist
the Georgetown University Medical
Tickets: TBA Contact: Jeanie Torchio, 703-486-
Center’s Lombardi Cancer Center.
4520, jeanie.torchio@stjude.org
6:30p.m. buffet dinner, 7:30 p.m.
before mingling with other movie buffs.The event supports the Tracy’s Kids pediatric art therapy program at
Date: February 12, 6 p.m. reception, screenings
4th Annual SOME Junior Gala
Location: Lucky Strike Restaurant and
What to Expect: The event affords young professionalthe opportunity to
Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: $250; sponsorships start at
network and socialize while becoming
$10,000
involved with a great Washington-based
Contact: Susan O’Neill & Associates,
organization, So Others Might Eat.
301-229-1314
Regal Theatre Gallery Place
Date: February 9, 8 p.m. Location: The Galleria at Lafayette
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Gala
Centre
Event Chairmen: Molly McNamara,
What to Expect: Performance in
Danielle Perraut and Quinn Rounsaville
the Kennedy Center Opera House
Tickets: $85 Contact: Susan O’Neill & Associates,
followed by supper and dancing in the
301-229-1314
scholarships to The Ailey School in New
South Atrium Foyer. Proceeds provide York for talented young dance students
Washington National Opera’s Midwinter Gala
from the Washington area.
What to Expect: Presented annually by the WNO Women’s Committee to
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Date: Februrary, 19, 7 p.m. Location: The Kennedy Center Attire: Black-tie
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Event Chairmen:Carolyn Brody,
award presentation to an “individual
What to Expect: The fifth annual
headliner. All proceeds benefit the
Debra Lee and Bea Welters
in recognition for distinguished work
“Mission Possible” Gala will fund
patients at Children’s National Medical
Tickets: $300; $15,000 per table of 10 Contact: Ariel Metzger, 202-636-
in classical theatre.” Recent recipients
scientific research into mental health
Center.
have included the Shakespeare Theatre
topics. 100 percent of all donations from
8745, ariel@campbellpeachey.com
Company members, Kevin Spacey,
the evening go to NARSAD.
Date: April 5 Location: The National Building
Jeremy Irons, Dame Judi Dench, and
Date: April 2 Location: Sweden House Attire: Business/cocktail Event Chairmen:Sheila Rabaut and
• March •
Anthony Hopkins.
Date: Late March/ Early April (date
16th Annual National American Ireland Fund Gala
TBD)
Wendy Adeler Hall
Guinness at the dinner, which includes
Location: TBD Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: TBD Contact: Joanne Coutts, 202-547-
an Irish Coffee bar and a rousing set
3230 x2330
The Phillips Collection Annual Gala
What to Expect: Leaders from Ireland and the United States will raise a
• April •
from an internationally renowned Irish band. Date: March 17 Location: The National Building
Museum
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Paul Dougherty and Henry Fonvielle
Ticket Price: $500 per individual
Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Lisa Cantu, 301-565-4956,
ticket
lcantu@cnmc.org
Contact: Trish Veatch, 703-535-1577, TVeatch@NARSAD.org
What to Expect: A gathering of
Women Changing Our World: Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards
What to Expect: Vital Voices honors courageous women leaders from
Museum
around the world who are expanding
Event Chairmen: Kingsley Aikins,
democracy, increasing economic
Hon. Elizabeth Bagley, Phillip Brady,
opportunity, and fighting human rights
Gerald Cassidy,Thomas Corcoran, Susan
abuses.The Awards presentation will be
Davis, John Feehery, Ginny Grenham,
followed by a reception for guests in the
Dennis Lucey, John McDonnell, Jr.,
Atrium.
Eugene McQuade, George Moore, Hon.
Date: April 7 Location: Terrace Theatre and Atrium,
John Quinn, Paul Quinn and Mark Tuohey
Kennedy Center
Tickets: $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000
Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Sen. Hillary
Contact: Susan O’Neill & Associates,
Rodham Clinton and Sen. Kay Bailey
301-229-0064
Hutchison
Leukemia Ball
Washington’s top arts philanthropists for
Tickets: $300 Contact: Melissa Peterson Smith, 202-
an evening of art and elegance. A seated
861-2625, melissasmith@vitalvoices.org
years, the Leukemia Ball has reigned
March of Dimes Gourmet Gala
What to Expect: For the past 20
dinner in the galleries of the museum
as Greater Washington, D.C.’s single
What to Expect: Members of
is followed by dancing in a unique
largest, non-political fundraiser, bringing
Congress and other Washington notables
location. Proceeds benefit the museum’s
Cathedral Choral Society’s 32nd Annual Gala
together the entertainment, corporate,
participate in a competitive cook-off
education and outreach initiatives.
What to Expect: Nancy “Bitsey”
political and philanthropic communities.
prior to a seated gourmet dinner to
Date: April 4 Location: Phillips Collection Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Allison Signorelli, 202-387-
Folger and Dr. Sidney Werkman will
Date: March 29 Location: Washington Convention Center
Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Fernando Murias Tickets: $1,000 Contact: Kelly Kent, 703-960-1100 x225, Kelly.Kent@LLS.org
Shakespeare Theatre’s Will Award Gala
What to Expect: Dinner and an
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benefit the March of Dimes.
Date: April 1 Location: The National Building Museum
Attire: Business Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: TBD Contact: Shannon Gilbert, 703-824-
2151 x315, asignorelli@phillipscollection. org
receive the Laura E. Phillips Angel of the Arts Award.
Date: April 12, 2008 Location: The Ritz-Carlton Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: Approximately $325 Contact: Sandra McIlvaine, 202-5375526, smcilvaine@cathedral.org
0111 x11
Children’s Ball
NARSAD of Greater Washington, D.C., Mission Possible Gala
including cocktail reception, dinner
Folger Shakespeare library Gala
and private concert featuring a national
What to Expect: Usually sells-out
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What to Expect: Black-tie gala
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special feature | Balls and Galas
Nancy Jones
Chairwoman of the Blah Blah Gala
months in advance, but those fortunate
What to Expect: The Helen
enough to obtain tickets will enjoy a
Hayes Awards recognize and celebrate
reception in the Great Hall followed by
excellence in professional theatre
a short performance in the Elizabethan
throughout the Washington metropolitan
Theatre and dinner in the Library’s
area.The star-studded event begins
splendid Reading Rooms. Proceeds
with the Chairmen’s Reception at the
will support the Library’s educational
JW Marriott before guests are escorted
and cultural programming for the
to the Warner Theatre for the awards.
community.
Everyone returns to the JW Marriott for
Date: April 16 Location: Folger Shakespeare Library, Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:TBA Tickets: $500 Contact: Essence Newhoff, 202-675-
the Ovation Gala,Washington’s biggest
0377, enewhoff@folger.edu
Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: $300 or $500; sponsorships
The Corcoran Ball
from $7,500 to $25,000
What to Expect: Hosted by the
Contact: Joy Johnson, 202-337-4572,
Women’s Committee of the Corcoran
jjohnson@helenhayes.org
cast party.
Date: April 28 Attire: Black-tie Location: Warner Theatre and the JW Marriott Hotel
Gallery of Art, an elecgant evening
Best Friends Foundation “Do You Remember When Rock Was Young?”
of dinner and dancing to benefit scholarship programs for the Corcoran College of Art and Design.
Date: April 18 Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art
What to Expect: Annual fundraiser
Event Chairmen:TBA
programs in Washington.This year marks
Tickets: $500; $600 Patron; $1500
the 20th Anniversary of the Best Friends
Benefactor
program.
Contact: Marjory Zimmerman,
Date: Late April/Early May 2008 (date
mzimmerman@corcoran.org
TBD)
to benefit the Best Friends Foundation
Location: TBD Attire: “Leave your black-tie at home
The Washington Ballet Spring Gala
and come dressed to dance!”
What to Expect: At the Washington prominent Washingtonians let loose on
Event Chairmen:TBD Tickets: TBD Contact: Elayne Bennett,
the dance floor after dinner and a live
202-478-9677
Ballet’s premiere event of the season,
dance performance.
Date: April 25, 2008 Location: TBA Event Chairmen:Jean-Marie and
Bachelors and Spinsters Ball
Raul Fernandez
Spinsters Ball is an invitation-only event
Tickets: $500; sponsorship packages
for 400 of Washington’s most eligible
available
singles. The black-tie party has been a
Contact: Jennifer Bristow, JBristow@
tradition since the 1930s.
Washingtonballet.org; Stacey Miller;
Date: April 2008 Location: City Tavern Club Attire: Black Tie Tickets: $100 Contact: Chris Larsin at Larsin@aol.
202-362-3606 x125
The 24th Annual Helen Hayes Awards
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What to Expect: The Bachelors and
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Directory
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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