Photographs by Clay Blackmore, Makeup by Carl Ray, Hair by Dyan Zurick Smith
- From left: Michele Berman, co-chairwoman of the Executive Committee, Arena Stage’s Opening Gala Celebration; Susan E. Lehrman, co-chairwoman, Washington National Opera Ball; Robert G. Hisaoka, chairman, Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala; Rachel Sullivan, co-chairwoman, Sibley Hospital’s “Celebration of Hope & Progress” Gala; Barry Dixon, co-chairman, CharityWorks Dream Ball; Nancy Brinker, founder, Susan G. Komen Fight for the Cure; Mark Lowham, co-chairman, CharityWorks Dream Ball; Molly A. Meegan, co-chairwoman, Harman Center for the Arts Gala; Debra Lee, co-chairwoman, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Gala; and Beth Newburger Schwartz, co-chairwoman of the Executive Committee, Arena Stage’s Opening Gala Celebration
SEPTEMBER
WNO OPENING NIGHT
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Washington National Opera’s opening night gala, “A Masked Ball,” is the social season’s unofficial kickoff, proving that the best isn’t always saved for last. Guests enjoy a dinner and masquerade ball at the Italian Embassy following the season premiere of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera at the Kennedy Center.
DATE: Saturday, September 11; 7 p.m., performance; 10 p.m., dinner and ball. LOCATION: Kennedy Center and Embassy of Italy
ATTIRE: Black-tie with mask
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Eugene B. Casey
PRICE: Starting at $500
CONTACT: 202-295-2449
INNOCENTS AT RISK BENEFIT
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join Canadian Amb. Gary Doer and Innocents at Risk as they honor Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano for her commitment to combating international human trafficking.
DATE: Monday, September 13
LOCATION: Embassy of Canada
ATTIRE: Cocktail
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Christopher Smith
PRICE: $500
CONTACT: Deborah Sigmund, 202-625-4338 , dsigmund@eoc.net
THE 32ND ANNUAL AMBASSADORS BALL
WHAT TO EXPECT: This annual event is a traditional way to toast autumn’s arrival. Guests mix and mingle with the diplomatic corps and Congressional leaders while enjoying dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. DATE: Tuesday, September 14; 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: JW Marriott Hotel
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Joyce Bennett and Paul Pelosi; Tony and Heather Podesta (Ball Committee chairmen); and Esther Coopersmith (Diplomatic chairman)
PRICE: $500
CONTACT: Abra Frankel, 202-296-536, afrankel@msandyou.org
NATIONAL SYMPHONY SEASON OPENING
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join the National Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the arrival of its new music director, Christopher Eschenbach, at a major concert with dining and dancing on the Kennedy Center’s South Plaza. Proceeds benefit the orchestra’s artistic, education,and community outreach programs. DATE: Saturday, September 25
LOCATION: Kennedy Center
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMAN: TBD
PRICE: Starting at $1,000
CONTACT: Leslie Miller, 202-416-8102
NATIONAL HISPANIC FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS’ NOCHE DE GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: This event, which brings A-List Hispanic entertainers to Washington for dinner, dancing, and fundraising, is always muy caliente. Funds raised help support the foundation’s scholarship programs assisting young Latinos trying to break into the media and entertainment industries.
DATE: Wednesday, September 15
LOCATION: Corcoran Gallery of Art
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Sonia Braga, Esai Morales, Felix Sanchez, and Jimmy Smits
PRICE: $1,000
CONTACT: 202-293-8330
PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FOR FICTION GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Literary enthusiasts, this event is right up your alley. “Indiscretion(s),” a celebration benefiting the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, features readings by noted authors including Nicholas Delbanco, Lisa Grunwald, Jane Hamilton, Maxine Hong Kingston, Walter Kirn, Laura Lippman, Manuel Muñoz, Bich Minh Nguyen, Audrey Niffenegger, Howard Norman, and ZZ Packer, followed by a seated dinner.
DATE: Monday, September 20
LOCATION: Folger Shakespeare Library
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Sens. Thad Cochran and Patrick Leahy, Mary Haft, and Susan Richards Schrive
PRICE: $400; $5,000 for a table of 10
CONTACT: Paige Rorick, 202-636-8743, paige@campbellpeachey.com
CHILDREN’S LAW CENTER BENEFIT
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Law Center’s tenth annual benefit delivers not only a wonderful party, but also a city view that’s hard to beat. Held on the Kennedy Center’s Rooftop Terrace, the evening helps bring in the necessary funds used to legally assist thousands of children each year.
DATE: Tuesday, September 21
LOCATION: Kennedy Center Roof Terrance Restaurant
ATTIRE: Formal business
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Diana Goldberg and Mary Liang
PRICE: $250
CONTACT: Karen Lee Sippel, 202-467- 4900, ksippel@childrenslawcenter.org
SECOND CHANCE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES’ “LAST KISS OF SUMMER”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, free-flowing martinis, a seated dinner, and dancing throughout the night to help raise funds for Second Chance’s programs providing free employment services for battered Washington women.
DATE: Thursday, September 23; 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Betty Thompson
PRICE: $400; sponsorships available
CONTACT: Nancy Mraz, 703-356-3099, nmraz@hpproductions-inc.com
JOAN HISAOKA “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Don’t miss this elegant evening of dinner and dancing to support organizations that assist those with serious illnesses, including Life with Cancer and Smith Farm Center. Named in honor of the late PR maven Joan Hisaoka, the gala raises funds to help those in need get through difficult times. DATE: Friday, September 24; 5:30 p.m., VIP reception; 6 p.m., reception and silent auction; 10 p.m., after party
LOCATION: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
ATTIRE: Black-tie EVENT CHAIRMAN: Robert G. Hisaoka
PRICE: $600; sponsorships available
CONTACT: Rebecca Zweig, 202- 543-7388, makeadifference@aboutbravo.com
WOLF TRAP BALL
WHAT TO EXPECT: From hockey finals to the recent Vancouver Olympic Games, Canada is on everyone’s minds these days. Join the honorary host, Canadian Amb. Gary Doer, in celebrating his nation at this always glamorous event. Proceeds will benefit the Wolf Trap Foundation’s arts and education programs. DATE: Friday, September 24; 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Warren and Judy Martin with Nels and Kristen Olson
PRICE: $500 to $1,000
CONTACT: Graham Binder, grahamb@wolftrap.org
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OCTOBER
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY MERIDIAN BALL
WHAT TO EXPECT: Meridian International Center marks a major milestone this year when it celebrates its big “5-0.” Guests will enjoy an evening celebrating the center’s efforts to strengthen international understanding at this top-of- the-line gala.
DATE: Friday, October 1; 9 p.m.
LOCATION: Meridian International Center
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Samia Farouki and Marlene Malek
PRICE: Pre-ball dinner and ball, $650; White-Meyer dinner and ball, $400
CONTACT: Leonor Chiarella, 202-939-5574, lchiarella@meridian.org
CORCORAN’S “NOW AT NIGHT”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join special guest Chris Martin and fellow contemporary art lovers and philanthropists to celebrate the much-anticipated launch of “NOW at the Corcoran,” a program of exhibitions presenting new and sitespecific work by emerging and midcareer artists.
DATE: Friday, October 1; 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Corcoran Gallery of Art
ATTIRE: Cocktail
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Chris Martin
PRICE: $150; $500, VIP tickets
CONTACT: Diana Kaw, 202-639-1753
CHARITYWORKS DREAM BALL
WHAT TO EXPECT: This event outdoes itself year after year. Held at the always breathtakingly-decorated National Building Museum, the evening includes dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to benefit Friendship Public Charter School, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and Intrepid Fallen Heroes.
DATE: Saturday, October 2; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: National Building Museum
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Barry Dixon and Mark Lowham
PRICE: $1,500 per couple
CONTACT: Sat Suko, 703-286-0758, charityworks@aol.com
CAPITAL FOR CHILDREN CASINO NIGHT
WHAT TO EXPECT: Capital for Children ups the ante this year at its annual Casino Night – an evening filled with friendly gambling games (craps, black jack, etc.) to benefit local children in need.
DATE: Saturday, October 2; 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Long View Gallery
ATTIRE: Casual cocktail
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Phil Deutch and Paul Feeko
PRICE: $125 to $150
CONTACT: Michelle McCann, 703-747-1964, michelle.mccann@ey.com
HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join the Shakespeare Theatre Company in a tribute to William Shakespeare’s Italy. This elegant red-carpet event, complete with dinner and dancing, is a can’t-miss affair that supports the company’s education and outreach programs.
DATE: Sunday, October 3; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Sidney Harman Hall and National Building Museum
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Giuseppe and Mercedes Cecchi, Abbe David Lowell, and Molly A. Meegan
PRICE: $750 to $1,000
CONTACT: Joanne Coutts, 202-547-3230, ext. 2330, hcagala@shakespearetheatre.org
“THANKS A MILLION!” GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Habitat for Humanity’s gala salutes the life and service of two of its most famous volunteers – Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter – on World Habitat Day. The gala, which draws over 500 Washington leaders, kicks off a week of building activities that will engage over a thousand volunteers in neighborhood revitalization in six U.S. cities.
DATE: Monday, October 4; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
ATTIRE: Cocktail
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Frank Blake, Garth Brooks, Andrew N. Liveris, Larry Stone, and Trisha Yearwood PRICE: $1,000 CONTACT: Sarah Lapeyre, 703-714-2368, slapeyre@hayespr.com.
ANGELS IN ADOPTION GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Everyone needs a home, and this year’s “Angels in Adoption” has made that dream a reality for many local children. Members of Congress join activists in the Washington adoption and foster care community to honor this year’s “angels” and the children they have helped.
DATE: Wednesday, October 6; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
ATTIRE: Business PRICE: $500
CONTACT: Chelsea Cathcard, 202-544-8500, chelsea@ccainstitute.org
USO GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Celebrities and entertainers from around the world, including Trisha Yearwood and Trevor Romain, will pack the house to support the USO and the work it does overseas to boost morale in the U.S. Armed Forces.
DATE: Thursday, October 7; 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
ATTIRE: Black-tie or military uniform
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Dave McIntyre
PRICE: $1,000 CONTACT: Stacey Hackner, 703-908-6453, shacker@uso.org
ARTS FOR THE AGING GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join this organization’s many supporters at its 22nd annual benefit to support free arts programs for older and disabled adults in the Washington area. The evening features a dinner dance with live and silent auctions, plus the presentation of AFTA’s Lolo Sarnoff Award to performance artist and teacher Jerome Barry.
DATE: Friday, October 8
LOCATION: Washington Golf and Country Club
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Joyce S. Hagel-Silverman and Joan Polk
PRICE: $300; sponsorships available
CONTACT: Chateau Gardecki, 703-728-7766, chateaumrg@gmail.com
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN DINNER
WHAT TO EXPECT: This gathering of over 3,000 people is the largest annual fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign’s efforts to support and advocate for the LGBT community. With last year’s star-studded performances by Lady Gaga and the stars of “Glee,” we can only imagine the surprises HRC has in store for this year.
DATE: Saturday, October 9; 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
ATTIRE: Black-tie optional
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Marjorie Chorlins and Kirkland Hamill
PRICE: $275
CONTACT: Joshua Meyer, 202-572-8911, joshua.meyer@hrc.org
DC VOTE DINNER
WHAT TO EXPECT: Over 300 leaders from the political, business, and corporate communities will join together to support DC Vote for this special commemorative evening, emceed by Chris Matthews. Rep. Donna Edwards will present a posthumous award to Arca President Smith Bagley for his dedication to democracy, while DC Vote grassroots leader Kathy Schmidt and Busboys & Poets owner Andy Shallal are honored for their unwavering democratic commitment.
DATE: Tuesday, October 12; 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
ATTIRE: Business
PRICE: $175
CONTACT: Abby Levine, 202-462-6000, ext. 17, alevine@dcvote.org
HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT’S 2010 “GOINGPLACES!”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join education activists at Higher Achievement’s annual benefit honoring Steven Goldstein for his support of the organization’s scholars and staff. Make sure to catch a special performance by middle school students honoring the group’s mission to prepare for high school and beyond.
DATE: Thursday, October 14; 6:30 p.m., performance and awards; 7:30 p.m., reception
LOCATION: The Warner Theatre
ATTIRE: Business
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Edward Cohen, Michael Glosserman, Mark Lerner, Mitchell Shear, and Robert Tanenbaum PRICE: $300; sponsorships available CONTACT: Cara Leidy, 202-375-7709, cleidy@higherachievement.org
HELEN HAYES STAR GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: An entertaining evening honoring Washington theater supporters featuring cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and raffles– all to benefit the year-round efforts of the Helen Hayes organization to promote and raise the visibility of local professional theater.
DATE: Friday, October 15
LOCATION: Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown
PRICE: $290
CONTACT: Allison Dreskin, adreskin@helenhayes.org
“HONORING THE PROMISE”
WHAT TO EXPECT: This event recognizes the 30th anniversary of Nancy G. Brinker’s promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to rid the world of breast cancer. The evening will feature performances and award presentations to Laura Bush, Rep. John D. Dingell, Michelle Fenty, Dr. V. Craig Jordan, Dr. Mary-Claire King, Dr. Lasalle D. Leffall Jr., and Ida Odinga.
DATE: Saturday, October 16
LOCATION: Kennedy Center
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Annie S. Totah
PRICE: Starting at $500
CONTACT: Ariel Metzger, 202-636-8745, ariel@campbellpeachey.com
A NIGHT OF HOPE GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Over 600 Washingtonians will gather for cocktails, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Capitol Chapter. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Living & Giving Award to Blackbird Technologies Inc., for its significant contribution to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
DATE: Saturday, October 16
LOCATION: National Building Museum
ATTIRE: Black-tie EVENT CHAIRMEN: Doug and Shelley Lowenstein
PRICE: $250 to $400; sponsorships available starting at $5,000
CONTACT: 202-371-0044
20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEGRITY
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Center for Public Integrity celebrates a major milestone with dinner and a presentation of the Founder’s Award to Charles Lewis. Legendary broadcaster Christiane Amanpour will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
DATE: Thursday, October 21
LOCATION: The Newseum
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Ed Asner, Leonard Downie Jr., Cheryl and David Einhorn, Michel Martin, and William R. (Billy) Martin, Cokie and Steve Roberts, and Vivian Schiller and Phil Frank
PRICE: $300; $10,000 for tables of 10
CONTACT: Katherine Van Wyk, 202-636-8743, katherine@campbellpeachey.com
NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: One thing is for sure, guests are guaranteed first class Italian fare at this event. NIAF celebrates its 35th anniversary by honoring Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide; Joseph Uva, CEO of Univision Communications Inc.; Aurelio De Laurentiis, Italian film producer and president of the Naples Soccer Club; Tom Izzo, head coach of Men’s Basketball at Michigan State University; and Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician-in-chief at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. DATE: Saturday, October 23; 6p.m., reception; 7 p.m., dinner
LOCATION: The Washington Hilton
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMAN: Robert E. Carlucci
PRICE: $400
CONTACT: Elissa Rufino, 202-939-3106
INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM GALA 2010
WHAT TO EXPECT : A festive evening of socializing, networking, dinner, auction, and live entertainment by Gloria Gaynor, the Queen of Disco. Over 850 donors and supporters are expected, including politicians, Inova team members, and physicians.
DATE : Saturday, October 23; 6 p.m.
LOCATION : The Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Paula and Andrew Darling
PRICE: $250
CONTACT : Kim Perry Ellis, 703-289-2012, kim.perry@inova.org
ARENA STAGE OPENING GALA CELEBRATION
WHAT TO EXPECT: Celebrate the grand re-opening of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The special evening will include cocktails throughout the Mead Center, an exclusive one-night performance featuring Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, and dinner. President and Mrs. Obama will serve as Honorary Chairs, along with Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife Michelle, noting the event’s both local and national significance.
DATE: Monday, October 25
LOCATION: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT Chairwomen: Michele Berman and Beth Newburger Schwartz
PRICE: $1,500 and $2,500
CONTACT: April Irwin, 202-554-9066, ext. 207, amirwin@arenastage.org
SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION
WHAT TO EXPECT: March of Dimes hosts this entertainment-packed event featuring over 30 local chefs preparing their signature dishes. Silent and live auctions will take place, with hotel stays and dining packages among the items up for bid.
DATE: Tuesday, October 26; 6 p.m., tastings and silent auction; 7:45 p.m., live auction; 8:30 p.m., dessert LOCATION: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington
CONTACT: Nicole Vagnerini, 703-824-0111, ext. 19, nvagnerini@marchofdimes.com
SIBLEY HOSPITAL’S “CELEBRATION OF HOPE & PROGRESS” GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: This year marks Sibley Hospital’s tenth annual “Celebration of Hope & Progress” gala to benefit its cancer services and programs. Guests won’t want to miss the always-spectacular silent auction, followed by dinner and dancing.
DATE: Saturday, October 30; 7 p.m.
LOCATION: National Building Museum
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Michael Harreld, Nina Pillsbury, and Thomas and Rachel Sullivan
PRICE: Starting at $500
CONTACT: Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation, 202-364-7696
CAPITAL HOSPICE PASSION FOR CARING GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Capital Hospice honors Dr. Elisabeth Simms and other community partners who have promoted the organization’s mission to improve care for those facing life limiting illnesses. A reception and silent auction start off the night before dinner and dancing to a live band.
DATE: Saturday, October 30
LOCATION: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Dr. Kathleen Fink, Dr. Matt Kestenbaum, and Dr. Cameron Muir and Susan Bond Muir PRICE: $500; sponsorships available
CONTACT: Catherine Sanders, 703-538-2037, csanders@capitalhospice.org
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NOVEMBER
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS FALL FÊTE
WHAT TO EXPECT: Held at the beautiful National Museum of Women in the Arts, this evening is full of entertainment and opportunities to honor some of the most celebrated women in performing arts.
DATE: Thursday, November 4
LOCATION: National Museum of Women in the Arts
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: TBD
PRICE: TBD
CONTACT: 202-266-2815
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION AMERICAN PATRIOT GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: Nearly 600 of Washington’s most powerful and influential leaders will gather to celebrate Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates for a lifetime of patriotism. The evening features a reception and dinner, with late night dancing. Tom Brokaw serves as emcee.
DATE: Friday, November 5; 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: TBD
PRICE: $1,000 to $2,500
CONTACT: Sarah Lapeyre, 703-714-2368, slapeyre@hayespr.com
THE LOMBARDI GALA
WHAT TO EXPECT: The evening marks the 40th anniversary of the Lombardi Center and will be celebrated with a cocktail reception, renowned silent auction, raffle, and presentation of awards to outstanding individuals who have campaigned for the fight against cancer. Proceeds go directly towards cancer research, education, and treatment.
DATE: Saturday, November 6; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: The Washington Hilton
ATTIRE: Black-tie
EVENT CHAIRMEN: Honorary Chair: Mr. DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director, National Football Players’ Assoc.; Co-Chairmen: Mr. Marc DeLuca, ING Clarion; Mr. Brian Katz, American Real Estate Partners; Mr. Barry Scher, Policy Solutions, LLC; Mr. Paul Schweitzer, Studley, Inc.
PRICE: $400
CONTACT: Elena Jeannotte, 202-687-3866
MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR
