A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops and the Junior League of Washington support literacy and other good works through three days of shopping and special events.
By Jane Hess Collins and Jessica Donald
JLW member Meghan Metzbower celebrates the holidays with homeless children at the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Washington.
If it weren’t for the Junior League, I would have never met my husband. About five years ago I took another guy to a black tie-optional Junior League event. He was still hungry after a few hours of nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, so he suggested we go to–I’m not kidding-Denny’s. And as I sat across from him in Denny’s plastic booth, watching him eat his Moon over My Hammy while I was still wearing my floor-length black Armani gown and custom-made cashmere coat, I vowed that I would never date again.
And I didn’t. But six months later I briefly snuck out of dating retirement to meet one more guy who seemed too good to be true. Either way, this was really my very last date. I would either marry him or retire permanently.
We met. We married three years ago. And we live happily ever after.
And so with great personal attachment I am happy to announce the Junior League of Washington’s (JLW) A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops, co-chaired by Sloane Hurst and Aimee Picard. Held from November 19-21 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, it’s a weekend of dining, shopping and girls’ night out to support JLW’s work. Here’s the scoop:
It’s never good to shop hungry, so start your weekend by attending the Meg Graham Scholarship Breakfast on Friday from 9 – 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit the JLW Meg Graham Scholarship Endowment, which is awarded each year to a graduating senior in the Washington, DC area who exemplifies her commitment to community service. And, you get a gift bag to get you in the holiday shopping mood.
General shopping runs all weekend, and includes pictures with Santa, designer trees for auction, author and artist signings, and 60 vendors with some really amazing gifts.
Stay until Friday night for the Girls’ Night Out with Neiman Marcus happy hour from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sip champagne, nibble on sweet treats and listen to music while you preview the latest fashions and beauty trends. Indulge in one-minute beauty bars, where you can learn quick change-ups to your eyes, lips and hair to go from work to after-hours play.
Get a head start on the holiday party season with the “‘Tis The Season” cocktail party on Saturday from 6:30-10:00pm. Bring your girlfriends or favorite guy and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dancing while you keep on shopping.
If you’re feeling especially lucky, buy a raffle ticket or three to win diamond earrings from Dominion Jewelers or a Louis Vuitton bag.
And don’t miss the live and silent auctions. We’re talking a private Neiman Marcus party and makeover package, with a Sunday champagne brunch, a $1,000 shopping spree, and a personal shopper. Or, a trip to New York City, a la Sex and the City, with two nights’ stay at the Regency Hotel, dinner for two at Daniel, three hours of car service and lunch for two at Park Avenue Autumn.
Ticket sales and other proceeds allow the Junior League of Washington to donate over 1,000 books to students attending the DC public schools, and to partner and volunteer with 25 organizations throughout greater DC.
Jane Hess Collins is a former Air Force colonel who writes to inspire people to contribute. She is also a coach, public speaker, conducts workshops which match clients’ values with service opportunities, and has established game nights for at-risk families throughout the country. You can contact her at jane@getoutandgiveback.com.
