THE 2006 BALLS AND GALAS DIRECTORYThis season's guides to the most exclusive blacktie events.
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Smithsonian Institution's Young
Benefactors Autumn Gala
What to Expect: The Autumn Gala and Silent Auction
celebrates the reopening of the National Portrait
Gallery and the Smithsonian American
Art Museum. The event includes a silent
auction, gallery viewing, hors d'oeuvres,
dessert, music, and a postgala party. Date: September
8, 2006 Location: Smithsonian Donald W. Reynolds
Center Event Coordinator: Sarah Papazoglakis
Contact: Sarah Papazoglakis at (202) 7863233
Children's Law Center Celebration
and Benefit
What to Expect: At this year's event, the Children's
Law Center celebrates "Ten Years of Helping Children
Soar." The CLC is an organization that helps atrisk
children in Washington, D.C. fi nd safe,
permanent homes and the education,
health and social services they need to
fl ourish by providing a range of legal services to
children and their families. Date: September 13, 2006
Location: The Kennedy Center Roof Terrace
Restaurant Contact: Catharine Clarenbach at (202)
4674900 ext. 567
Wolf Trap Ball
What to Expect: This year's ball, themed "Sailing
Denmark," is hosted in association with the Danish
Embassy and will channel the history and culture
of that land. All proceeds from the ball go to Wolf
Trap's education programs. Date: September 15, 2006
Location: Filene Center Stage, Wolf Trap National
Park for the Performing Arts Event Chairs: Michael
& Elizabeth Hopkins and Thomas & Eileen Culligan
Contact: Wolf Trap Special Events (703) 2554030
Washington Opera Opening Night Gala
What to Expect: A double bill performance at
Kennedy Center of Béla Bartók's Duke
Bluebeard's Castle and Giacomo Puccini's
Gianni Schicchi followed by an elegant
dinner and dancing. The Date: Sept 16, 2006
Location: Performance at Kennedy Center, gala at
Organization of American States Contact: www.dcopera.
org
Spices and Rices Gala
What to Expect: The 3rd Annual Celebration of Asian
Cuisine and Culture will feature a unique silent
auction, live painting demonstration,
performances, and Asian cuisine. CBS
News Correspondent Joie Chen will act
as master of ceremonies and awardwinning fi lm
director Mira Nair will be the guest of honor and
award recipient. Proceeds will benefi t Asia Society
Washington Center's Arts & Culture Series. Date:
September 16, 2006 Location: Embassy of Australia
Gala Chair: Shigeko Bork Contact: (202) 8332742
Thelonius Monk International Jazz Piano Competition
What to expect: Hosted by Herbie Hancock and Billy
Dee Williams, The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
Competition, a nonprofit education
organization, highlights the world's most
promising young musicians college level
training by America's jazz. Date: September 17
Location: Kennedy Center Contact: (202) 3647272.
Angels in Adoption Gala
What to Expect: Bright colors will light up the atrium
of the Ronald Reagan Building at the Congressional
Coalition on Adoption Institute's "Painting a Brighter
Future" Angels in Adoption Gala. Angels in Adoption
are nominated by members of Congress, and can
be anyone who deserves recognition for making a
difference in the lives of children through adoption
or foster care advocacy. The gala is a special way
to honor all of the chosen Angels from across the
country. Date: September 20, 2006 Location: Ronald
Reagan Building and International Trade Center
in Washington, D.C. Honorary CoChairs: Sen.
Larry E. Craig, Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, Rep. Ginny
BrownWaite, and Rep. Jim L. Oberstar Contact:
Chelsea Buffi ngton at (703) 2889700 or Chelsea@
ccainstitute.org
Ambassadors Ball
What to Expect: The 28th Annual Ambassadors Ball to
benefi t the Multiple Sclerosis Society honors the
diplomatic corps for its support for charities
and humanitarian endeavors. The event
hosts over 140 prominent ambassadors,
Congressional leaders and a variety of local and national
celebrities. Date: September 21, 2006 Location: The
Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St., N.W. Contact:
Christie McDonald at (202) 3755631
National Symphony Ball
What to Expect: At the season opening ball of the
National Symphony Orchestra, the NSO Leonard
Slatkin will conduct an allTchaikovsky program,
including the "Violin Concerto in D major"
featuring Joshua Bell. The concert is followed by a
gala dinner and dancing. Date: September 24, 2006
Location: Kennedy Center Event Chairs: William
and Sarah Walton and James and Elaine Wolfensohn
Contact: (202) 4168102
PEN/Faulkner Awards Gala
What to Expect: The annual gala for the PEN/
Faulkner Award for Fiction celebrates with the
theme "Revenge." The event features original
readings by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lisa
Fugard, Matt Klam, Verlyn Klinkenborg, Elizabeth
Kostova, Jim Lehrer, William Henry Lewis, Thomas
Mallon, Kyoko Mori, Mary Morris, Sigrid Nunez,
Richard Rodriguez, Roger Rosenblatt, Joan Silber,
Curtis Sittenfeld, and Deborah Tannen. Date:
September 25, 2006 Location: Folger Shakespeare
Library Event Chairs: Sen. and Mrs. Thad Cochran,
Mr. and Mrs. Haft, Sen. and Mrs. Patrick Leahy, and
Susan Shreve Contact: (202) 6368743
USO World Gala
The USO World Gala (19412006):
Celebrating 65 Years of Service
What to Expect: An estimated 700 guests will gather
to pay special tribute to our men and women in
uniform. Guests will include Washington dignitaries,
military leaders, celebrities, USO World Board of
Governors, USO corporate sponsors, entertainers and
the media. This year the USO will recognize General
James L. Jones with The Spirit of the USO Award.
Date: September 28, 2006 Location: National Building
Museum Contact: (703) 9086400
Charityworks Dream Ball
What to Expect: The "Shadows to Light" ball benefi ts
Higher Achievement Program, an organization that
provides resources to help middle school children from
lower income families achieve acceptance into top
high school programs in the area. The blacktie ball
includes dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions.
Date: September 30, 2006 Location: The National
Building Museum Event Chairs: Paige Bishop and
Meredith LaPier Contact: (703) 2860758
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OCTOBER
National Hispanic Foundation
for the Arts Gala
What to Expect: The 10th Annual "Noche de Gala" will
feature a lively dinner, lots of celebrity guests.
Last year, honorees included Eva Longoria
and Elizabeth Vargas of ABC news. Date:
October 3, 2006 Location: Renaissance Mayfl ower Hotel,
Washington, D.C. Event Chairs: Jimmy Smits, Felix
Sanchez, Sonia Braga, Esai Morales Contact: Jennifer
Castillo at (202) 2938330 or www.hispanicarts.org
The Spina Bifida Roast
What to Expect: Bob Shieffer will be "roasted" this
year at the 18th annual dinner to benefi t Spina Bifi da
research. The emcee will be Mark Shields and roasters
will include Tom Daschle, Tony Snow, and Don and
Deidre Imus. Date: October 3, 2006 Location: J.W.
Marriott Hotel Honorary Cochairs: Sen. Chris Dodd
and Sen. Bill Frist Contact: Mary Corcoran Knoll at
(888) 8378777 or KnollMC@aol.com
American Cancer Society's Capital Baron's Ball
What to Expect: The American Cancer Society celebrates
its 60th year of cancer research with a Caribbeanthemed
blacktie event called "Twilight in the Tropics" to raise
awareness about the impact of cancer in Caribbean
nations. The event includes a reception, live and silent
auctions, awards ceremony, a live steel band, dinner
and dancing. Date: October 4, 2006 Location: Andrew
W. Mellon Auditorium Event Chair: Maureen Bunyan
Contact: Sonja Hird at (202) 4832600 ext. 153
The Children's Inn at NIH Gala
What to Expect: The annual gala supports familycentered
care for children receiving treatment at NIH.
The event, which includes a dinner and reception,
is attended by a mix of leading journalists, members
of Congress, and socialites. Date: October 5, 2006
Location: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Event Chairs:
Karen Frist, Debbie Dingell, and Cokie Roberts
Contact: Susan O'Neill at 3012291314
Arts for the Aging Gala
What to Expect: The 18th Anniversary Benefit
Gala for Arts for the Aging features an international
wine tasting, silent auction, buffet, and an exhibit
highlighting AFTA programming at senior care centers
and senior art. Each year the event is held at a different
Embassy. Date: October 11, 2006 Location: Residence
of the French Ambassador Event Chair: Dr. and Mrs.
Steven B. Hopping Contact: (301) 7184990
Meridian Ball
What to Expect: The Annual Meridian Ball benefi ts
the Meridian International Center, a nonprofit
institution that promotes
international understanding through the
exchange of people, ideas, and the arts. The event
includes dinner at selected embassadors' residences
followed by dessert and dancing at the Meridian
House. A special Lyndon Circle dinner for Meridian's
Young Benefactor guests under 40 is held at the
White Myer House. Date: October 13, 2006 Location:
Meridian International Center Event Chairs: Lilibet
Hagel, Debbie Dingell, and Diane Nelson Contact:
Judy Singer (202) 9395522
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
What to Expect: The National Alliance for the Mentally
Ill presents its 2nd Annual Gala Dinner themed "Unmasking Mental Illness." A cocktail reception,
dinner, and the presentation of the Mind of America
Scientific Award will be attended by VIPs from
Congress, journalism, medicine, and the business world.
Date: October 18, 2006 Location: Andrew W. Mellon
Auditorium Honorary Chair: Patty Duke CoChairs:
Sen. Susan Collins, Kay Redfi eld Jamison, Ann Pincus,
and Rep. Pete Stark Contact: (202) 6368745
National Italian American Gala
What to Expect: The gala celebrates the 31st
anniversary of the National Italian American
Foundation (NIAF) and is part of a twoday
convention. The weekend of
receptions and dinners honors outstanding
Italian Americans in science, sports, business,
entertainment, and philanthropy. This year's honorees
include Tom LaSorda, Justice Samuel Alito, Frankie
Vallie, Raffaello Follieri and Anne Bancroft. Proceeds
go to the NIAF scholarship and education program.
Date: October 21, 2006 Location: Washington Hilton
and Towers Event Chairs: Mike Renzulli, Jerry
Colangelo, Anthony Mozilo, and Joseph Moglia
Contact: Cara Elliot at (202) 9393104
Best Buddies Ball
What to Expect: The 18th Annual Best Buddies, "Tzedakah Ball," features live and silent auctions,
cocktails, a seated dinner and entertainment to benefi t
the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Date:
October 28, 2006 Location: The Potomac, Md. home
of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver Contact:
Joslyn Matthews at (305) 3742233 ext. 207
Lombardi Gala
What to Expect: The 21st Annual Lombardi Gala "Beating the Odds" benefi ts the Lombardi Cancer
Center at the Georgetown University Medical Center.
The blacktie event includes a cocktail reception,
dinner, dancing, the renowned silent auction, a live
auction and an awards ceremony for remarkable
individuals in the fi ght against cancer. Date: October
28, 2006 Location: The Washington Hilton and Towers
Event Chairs: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Donohue
Contact: Bonnie Roberts at (202) 6871067
Trick or Treat Ball
What to Expect: This allnew event benefi ts So
Others Might Eat and includes dinner, dancing, and
an auction. Date: October 28, 2006 Location: U.S.
Chamber of Commerce Contact: (301) 2292046
NOVEMBER
Fight Night
What to Expect: This blacktie event supports Fight
for Children's commitment to increasing
the number of urban youth who are
prepared for post secondary education and
career opportunities. A highlight of every Fight Night
is the appearance of such boxing legends as Sugar Ray
Leonard, Evander Holyfi eld, and Joe Frazier among
others. Date: November 2, 2006 Location: Washington
Hilton and Towers Event Chair: Charles S. Kuhn
Contact: Jackie Alafoginis at (202) 7220429
Freer and Sackler Galleries Gala
What to Expect: This year, the annual event is themed "Celebrating 100 Years of the Freer Gallery
of Art." First Lady Laura Bush is the
Honorary Patron. Date: November 2, 2006
Location: Reception in the Sackler Gallery, dinner in the
Freer Gallery Contact: (202) 6330417
National Rehabilitation Gala and
Victory Awards
What to Expect: The event honors distinguished
individuals who have overcome disabilities. Past
honorees include Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, and
former Sen. Bob Dole. The event includes dinner,
silent and live auctions, followed by the awards
ceremony. Date: November 6, 2006 Location: Ronald
Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Contact: Leslie Concha at (202) 8771781
Celebration of Hope and Progress
What to Expect: The 6th Annual Celebration of Hope
and Progress supports the Sibley Cancer Center and
related programs. Washington journalists Cokie and
Steve Roberts will headline the evening's festivities.
Date: November 11, 2006 Location: Four Seasons
Hotel Event Chairs: Mr. and Mrs. A. Scott Andrews
Contact: Christina Berkemeyer at (202) 5374362
Lab School of Washington Gala
What to Expect: This annual blacktie awards gala
celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Lab School
and honors individuals who have achieved success in
their chosen fi elds despite their learning disabilities.
The event includes a reception, awards, dinner
and dancing. Date: November 14, 2006 Location:
Washington Hilton and Towers Event Chairs: Sally
Smith and Betsy Babbington Contact: Marty Cathcart
at (202) 4542259 marty.cathcart@labschool.org
StarlightStarbright Taste
of the Stars Ball
What to Expect: The Taste of the Stars event benefi ts the
Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, a nonprofi t
organization dedicated to making a
difference in the lives of seriously ill children
and their families. Date: November 17, 2006
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown Event
Chairs: Sharon Dougherty, Jocelyn Greenan, Kristen
Olson Contact: Cara Martin at (202) 2937827
National Museum of Women
in the Arts' Fall Benefit
What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, and a performance
in the Great Hall benefi t the Shenson Chamber
Music Concerts. Approximately 300 guests will be
in attendance, including VIPs and luminaries from
Washington's diplomatic, government, and social
communities. Date: November 2, 2006 Location:
National Museum of Women in the Arts Event Chairs:
Irene Natividad and Gina Adams Artistic Directors:
Gilan Tocco Corn and Linda Hohenfeld Slatkin
Contact: NMWA Development Events Coordinator
at (202) 2662815 or timm@nmwa.org
ThanksUSA Gala
What to Expect: ThanksUSA is nonpartisan,
charitable effort to mobilize Americans of
all ages to "thank" the men and women
of the United States armed forces. Guests
will enjoy a festive and patriotic evening, including
dinner and dancing. Location: Mellon Auditorium
Contact: Jeri Thomson at 5712773249 or
thomson22302@comcast.net
DECEMBER
Kennedy Center Honors Weekend
What to Expect: Honors recipients are recognized
for their contributions to American culture and the
performing arts. Proceeds from the event support
the Kennedy Center's performing arts, education,
and public service programs. The weekend of events
includes a formal dinner, a brunch, a televised gala
attended by the President, and dinner after the show.
The Date: December 3, 2006 Location: The Kennedy
Center Contact: www.kennedycenter.org
Washington Ballet's Nutcracker Tea Party
What to Expect: Following the matinee performance of
The Nutcracker, guests make their way to
the Willard Hotel for an afternoon of tea,
treats, photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy
and an exclusive autographed pointe shoe favor.
Children of all ages enjoy this unique Washington event.
Date: December 10, 2006 Location: Performance at the
Warner Theatre, tea at the Willard Hotel Contact: (202)
3623606 ext. 125 or events@washingtonballet.org
Choral Arts Society of Washington
What to Expect: This Christmas concert followed by a
dinner, silent auction, and dancing brings
out the Christmas spirit in all who attend.
Proceeds from this blacktie event benefi t
the annual activities of the Choral Arts Society. Date:
December 18, 2006 Location: The Kennedy Center
Honorary Event Chair: Amb. of Austria Eva Nowotny
and Prof. Thomas Nowotny Contact: (202) 2443669