An exclusive premiere party for the HBO hit raises funds for Dog Tag Bakery.
Tammy Haddad, John Gossart, Father Rick Curry, Roy Schwartz and Kelly Schwartz (Photo by Erica Moody)
Cocktails flowed and cookies made the rounds at last night’s season premiere party for the hit HBO comedy “Veep” hosted by Roy and Kelly Schwartz. Held at Georgetown’s Dog Tag Bakery, the invite-only event brought out supporters dressed in their best “smart casual” attire and raised funds for the bakery’s mission, with donations accepted on-site to help fund programs for disabled veterans.
A “Veep” themed table display. (Photo by Erica Moody)
Now entering its fourth season, “Veep” stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a fictional Vice President (and now President) of the United States. Theme-based decorations were impressive, including coasters with images of the show’s stars; embroidered “Veep” pillows on the bakery’s couches; red, white and blue patriotic cookies; and a delicious red cocktail dubbed the “Running Mate” as well as “Selina Meyer Shots.” Servers passing hors d’oeuvres and drinks were dressed as secret service agents. But this party was more than just celebrating the return of HBO’s hit comedy.
Father Rick Curry (Photo by Erica Moody)
The unique bakery is a social enterprise, founded by Father Rick Curry and Constance Milstein to ensure that no disabled veteran who wants to work and pursue his or her career goals should be unemployed. The bakery’s work-study program with partner Georgetown University combines entrepreneurship education with hands-on work experience.
“Our goal today is to raise enough money to send at least one veteran through the program,” said Roy Schwartz.
Curry spoke to his passion behind the bakery and its mission.
Patriotic cookies at Dog Tag Bakery (Photo by Erica Moody)
“My life has been trying to bridge the gap between the disabled and the able-bodied,” said Curry, who was born with one arm. “The reason this is a bakery is because you don’t come to a bakery to be sad. You come to a bakery to be happy.
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“And with my connections,’ he quipped, “there are no calories in here whatsoever.”
“There is a sad thought that disabled veterans don’t want to work, but au contraire,” he said. “Not only do they want to work, they want to make a real contribution to American society.
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As for the new season of “Veep,” we won’t spoil it for you. Watch for yourself as it airs tonight on HBO.
For more on Dog Tag Bakery and to get involved, visit dogtagbakery.com or visit the shop at 3206 Grace St. NW in the heart of Georgetown.
