Balls, Benefits and Galas Directory 2004 - 2005

AMBASSADORS BALL
The Event: The 26th Annual Ambassadors Ball will salute members of Washington Diplomatic Corps for their contributions to the community. The ball raises funds to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's efforts to find a cure for this disease.
What to Expect: Dinner, dancing and live entertainment. Guests include congressional leaders and ambassadors.
Date: September 22, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Grand Hyatt Washington
Ticket Price: $300 per person
Event Co-Chairs: Mrs. Robert Matsui and Mrs. E. Clay Shaw, Jr.
Contact: (202) 296-5363 or email AmbassadorsBall@MSandYOU.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S CAPITAL BARONS' BALL
The Event: The American Cancer Society's Capital Barons' Ball, “Simply Elegant.” Roberta Flack will entertain guests, and Sam Donaldson will serve as master of ceremonies.
What to Expect: dinner, raffle and entertainment.
Date: September 18, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Ticket Price: $350
Event Chairs: Wendy and Peter Gowdey
Contact: (202) 452-4169 or visit www.anwc.org

AMERICAN NEWS WOMEN'S CLUB ANNUAL AWARD DINNER
The Event: Proceeds from the dinner benefit the ANWC's education programs and journalism scholarships. The club provides women in the news media profession with opportunities to network, enjoy professional programs and honor members' achievements in the field.
What to Expect: A dinner with a roast and toast of the recipient of the “Helen Thomas Award for Excellence in Journalism or Outstanding Contribution to Public Service.” Proceeds go towards journalism scholarships for five area schools and educational programs.
Date, Time, Location, Ticket Price, Event Chairs: TBD
Contact: (202) 452-4169 or visit www.anwc.org

ARENA STAGE GALA
The Event: The 13th Annual Benefit for the Arena Stage.
What to Expect: Politicians and Washingtonians will show off their talents in a light-hearted bipartisan spoof.
Date: April 11, 2005 Time, Ticket Price,
Event Chair: TBD
Location: Arena Stage
Contact: Denise Schneider, (202) 554-9066, ext. 227

ARTS FOR THE AGING GALA
The Event: The 16th Annual Arts for the Aging Gala, hosted by Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato and his wife, Toshiko. Proceeds enhance AFTA's artistic outreach programs for seniors in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
What to Expect: Wine tasting, buffet, artwork exhibition, silent auction.
Date: October 6, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: The residence of the Japanese ambassador
Ticket Price: $100 junior; $200 individual; $300 patron.
Event Chair: Mrs. Clayton Eisinger and Mrs. Georgio Via
Contact: (301) 718-4990

BACHELORS AND SPINSTERS BALL
The Event: The annual Bachelors and Spinsters Ball—a tradition dating back to the 1930s. Invitation only.
What to Expect: 400 of the area's most eligible bachelors and spinsters all in one room.
Date, Time: TBD
Location: The City Tavern Club
Event Chair: Chris van Roijen

BEST BUDDIES BALL
The Event: The 16th Annual Best Buddies Ball is a black-tie charity gala with a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and dancing. Proceeds from the gala support the 20,000 members of Best Buddies.
What to Expect: Leading figures from the sports and entertainment world, government officials, philanthropists and power brokers come together for an evening of fundraising for Best Buddies.
Date: October 9, 2004
Time, Location: TBD
Ticket Price: $500
Contact: Scott Tracy (305) 374-2233 or (800) 89-BUDDY

BEST FRIENDS FOUNDATION'S ROCK AND ROLL GALA
The Event: Best Friends Foundation's Rock and Roll Gala: “Do you remember when rock and roll was young?” Proceeds benefit Best Friends and Best Men, youth development and character building programs for girls and boys in our nation's public schools.
What to Expect: A fun-filled evening rock 'n roll with top-notch entertainment and prominent Washingtonians decked out in leather jackets, denim, and poodle skirts.
Date: April 16, 2005
Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Attire: Rock 'n roll attire
Event Co-Chairs: Marlene Malek, Susan Bennett, and Kitty Martinez
Contact: (202) 237-8684

CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA SPRING GALA
The Event: The Cancer Research Foundation of America 2005 Spring Gala. The mission of CRFA is the prevention of cancer through scientific research and education. The Spring Gala benefits two programs: CRPF/George Washington University Mammovan and CRPF 21st Century Young Scientist Fund.
What to Expect: Dinner and dancing, featuring a premium raffle.
Date: March 11, 2005 Time: 7:00 cocktail reception; 8:00 p.m. dinner
Location: The National Building Museum
Ticket Price: $500-$1000 per person; $5000-$50,000 per table
Event Chair: Kathryn A. MacLane
Contact: Jennifer Krebs (703) 837-3681

CARE 59th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Event: CARE's 59th Anniversary Celebration. CARE's anniversary celebration honors the organization's humanitarian work in over 70 countries around the world.
What to Expect: Intimate dinners hosted by ambassadors at their residences are followed by a formal ball with dessert and dancing.
Date: May 6, 2005 Time: 7:00 p.m. Embassy dinners; 9:30 p.m. CARE Ball
Ticket Price: $275 per person
Event Chair: Frankie Roberts, Sylvia Sabo and others
Contact: Jennifer Eisenstadt (202) 595-2800

CATHOLIC CHARITIES
The Event: The 19th Annual gala sponsored by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Catholic Charities is a private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.
What to Expect: Reception, dinner, and dancing.
Date, Time, Location, Ticket Price: TBD
Contact: Amanda Rezsa (202) 772-4392

CHARITY WORKS BALL
The Event: The Charity Works Ball to benefit See Forever, the organization that operates the Maya Angelou Public Charter School, N Street Village and the Seed School. This year's theme is Dreams to Reality: A Fairy Tale Evening.
What to Expect: Dinner, dancing, live and silent auction
Date: October 2, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: National Building Museum
Ticket Price: $350 per person
Event Chair: Pamela Culvahouse
Contact: (703) 286-0758

CHILDHELP USA GALA
The Event: The annual Childhelp USA Gala. Each year, the Washington Area Chapter hosts a gala to highlight the importance of child abuse preven-tion, and to raise money for abused children. Childhelp USA is one of the nation's leading organizations in the fight against child abuse.
What to Expect: Dinner, dancing, casino, live auction and raffle.
Date, Time, Location, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: Mary Fields (703) 208- 1537 or visit www.childhelpues.org or www.childhelpva.org

CHILDREN'S INN AT NIH GALA
The Event: The 16th Annual Children's Inn at NIH Gala
What to Expect: A reception and dinner gala featuring special stars of the music and entertainment industry. All proceeds benefit the Children's Inn at NIH, a private non-profit organization providing family centered care for children receiving treatment at the National Institutes of Health.
Date: September 23, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m reception, 7:30 p.m dinner
Location: National Building Museum
Ticket Price: TBD
Event Chair: Debbie Dingell and Karyn Frist
Contact: (301) 229-0064

CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
The Event: The Choral Arts Society 24th Annual Christmas Concert and Benefit. Proceeds help to fund the annual activities of the Choral Arts Society, including a concert series at the Kennedy Center and a distinguished community outreach program.
What to Expect: A concert of Christmas music at the Kennedy Center followed by a silent auction and dinner and dancing.
Date: December 13, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m. concert
Location: Kennedy Center Ticket Price,
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 244-3669

THE CORCORAN BALL
The Event: The 50th Annual Corcoran Ball. Hosted by the Women's Committee of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, this sumptuous evening 's proceeds go in part to funding scholarships for the Corcoran College of Art & Design.
What to Expect: A formal dinner followed by dancing.
Date: April 22, 2005
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art/ College of Art & Design
Time,Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 639-1781

THE EYE BALL
The Event: The 38th annual International Eye Foundation Ball. The International Eye Foundation is a private international non-profit organization whose programs cover a wide range of activities, including training for health workers, providing equipment and medicines, clinical and surgical services, initiatives to control vitamin A deficiency, River Blindness, and trachoma, among others.
What to Expect: A fun-filled evening of dining and dancing, with a silent auction.
Date: November 5, 2004. Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel
Ticket Price: $300 per person. Advance reservation required.
Benefit Chair: Nancyfaye Autenzio
Contact: Calvin Baerveldt (240) 290-0263 ext.18 or email cbearveldt@iefusa.org

FIGHT NIGHT 2004
The Event: The 15th Annual Fight Night. A one-of-a-kind evening, the black-tie smoker attracts nearly two thousand of D.C.'s business and government leaders as well as national celebrities. The event was established by Fight for Children Inc., a charitable organization that raises money for children's charities.
What to Expect: Elegant cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a gourmet meal. Later in the evening, the party unites with the women of Knock Out Abuse.
Date: November 11, 2004 Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Washington Hilton Towers
Ticket Price: $7,000-27,500 tables Honorary Chair: Neil Cohen
Contact: Ellen Blankenstein (703) 245-3567

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY SPRING GALA
The Event: The Folger Gala: Celebrating Garrick. This event will focus on the Folger's exhibitions and performances celebrating David Garrick, the renowned 18th century English playwright and actor credited with reviving interest in many of Shakespeare's plays.
What to Expect: A special exhibition viewing, theatrical entertainment, and dinner.
Date: April 21, 2005 Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Folger Shakespeare Library
Ticket Price: $500 per person
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 675-0321

HELEN HAYES AWARDS BENEFIT
The Event: The 16th annual Helen Hayes Awards Benefit. Named after the Washington native and First Lady of American Theatre, the awards honor artistic excellence in the professional theatre. Proceeds support the community service and educational programs of the Helen Hayes Awards.
What to Expect: Live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing.
Date: Oct. 29, 2004
Location: The Four Seasons Washington
Time, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: Andie Sante (202) 337-4572

HISPANIC HERITGE AWARDS CEREMONY
The Event: The 2004 Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of Hispanic Americans.
What to Expect: Award ceremonies and performances.
Date: September 10, 2004
Location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Time, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: www.hispanicheritageawards.com

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS GALA
The Event: The 27th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala. Honors awardees are selected for lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Proceeds support the center's performing arts, education, and public service programs. Past honorees include Loretta Lynn, James Brown and Mike Nichols.
What to Expect: The weekend-long events include a formal dinner at the State Department; a reception at the White House; and a televised gala attended by the President.
Honorees: TBA
Date: December 4 and 5, 2004
Time, Event Chair, Ticket Price: TBD
Location: The Kennedy Center Opera House
Contact: www.kennedy-center.org

KENNEDY CENTER SPRING GALA
The Event: The 13th Annual Kennedy Center Spring Gala celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the Kennedy Center. Annual fundraiser for the artistic, education, and outreach programs nationwide for the Kennedy Center and National Symphony Orchestra.
What to Expect: Reception, dinner, dancing and performance.
Date: April 17, 2005
Location: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Time, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 416-8338

KNOCK OUT ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN
The Event: The 10th anniversary gala celebration of Knock Out Abuse Against Women. Benefits three Washington, D.C. metropolitan area shelters for women and their children whose lives have been shattered by abuse, poverty, and homelessness.
What to Expect: A one-of-a-kind, women-only event that includes cocktails, dinner, music, silent and live auctions.
Date: November 11, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Ritz Carlton Hotel, 22nd Street, N.W.
Ticket Price: $350
Event Chair: Holidae Hayes
Contact: Ellen Blankenstein (703) 245-3567 or visit www.knockoutabuse.org

LAB SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON GALA
The Event: The 20th Annual Outstanding Learning Disabled Achievers Award Gala. The Lab School is internationally recognized for its innovative programs for children and adults with learning disabilities.
What to Expect: Reception, awards ceremony, dinner and live orchestra celebration.
Date: November 15, 2004 Time: 6:30-11:00 PM
Location: Washington Hilton
Ticket Price: $150-500 individual tickets; $6,000-10,000 table
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: Betsy Babbington (202) 944-3076

LARRY KING CARDIAC FOUNDATION GALA
The Event: The Larry King Cardiac Foundation provides funding for life-saving cardiac procedures for individuals who, due to limited means and inadequate insurance, would be otherwise unable to receive life-saving treatment.
What to Expect: A star-studded event with dinner, a silent auction and live entertainment.
Date: March 11, 2005
Location: The Ritz Carlton, Washington
Time, Ticket Price, Honoree, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: Lori Isaac (703) 522-0703 or email lori@lindarothpr.com

LOMBARDI GALA
The Event: The 19th annual Lombardi Gala. Proceeds will benefit the Lombardi Cancer Center at the Georgetown University Medical Center, the only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute in the D.C. metropolitan area.
What to Expect: A cocktail reception, black-tie dinner dance, the legendary “Fifty of the Finest” silent auction, live auction and awards presentation.
Date: October 30, 2004 Time,
Ticket Price: TBD
Location: Hilton Washington & Towers
Contact: Bonnie Roberts (202) 687- 1067

MERIDIAN BALL
The Event: The 36th annual Meridian Ball. Proceeds to benefit Meridian International Center, a nonprofit educational and cultural institution that promotes international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas, and the arts.
What to Expect: Dinners will be hosted by dozens of ambassdors, followed by dessert and dancing.
Date: October 7, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m. Dinner; 9:30 p.m. Ball
Location: Meridian International Center
Ticket Price: TBD Chairs: Mrs. Calvin Cafritz, Mary Howell and Mrs. Pat Roberts
Contact: Judy Singer 202-939-5522 or jsinger@meridian.org

NATIONAL HISPANIC FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS GALA
The Event: The 8th annual National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts black-tie reception and “Noche de Gala” Dinner.
What to Expect: Celebrity guests
Date: September 14, 2004
Time: 6:45 p.m. Reception; 7:30 p.m. Dinner
Location: The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Ticket Price: $1,250 per person
Co-Founders and Hosts: Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga and Esia Morales
Contact: Randolph Gonzales (202) 293-8330

NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN GALA
The Event: The 29TH anniversary National Italian American Gala. Part of a weekend celebration including NIAF Youth Convention.
What to Expect: An awards dinner featuring a two-day convention, which includes an auction and a celebrity luncheon, Italian wine tasting, conferences, and a seminar on tourism. Proceeds from the event will benefit the NIAF Scholarship and Education Programs.
Date: October 16, 2004 Time, Location,
Ticket Price: TBD
Contact: (202) 387-0600

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS
The Event: National Museum of Women in the Arts' Spring Gala
What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, and performance.
Date: May 2005
Location: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue, NW Time,
Ticket Price:
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 266-2815

NATIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL GALA & VICTORY AWARDS
The Event: The National Rehabilitation Hospital's is Victory Awards.
What to Expect: dinner and awards ceremony
Date: November 18, 2004
Time: TBD
Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
Ticket Price: $400-$500
Event Chair: Pat Skantze
Contact: Leslie Concha (202) 877- 1781

NATIONAL SYMPHONY BALL
The Event: The 47th Annual National Symphony Ball. Funds raised support community outreach programs for inner-city youth, schoolchildren, and disabled individuals.
What to Expect: One of Washington's most prestigious social occasions. Cocktails reception, dinner, dancing and a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Date, Time, Location, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 416-8100

NARSAD GALA
The Event: The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression's annual gala event
What to Expect: Dinner, dancing and an auction
Date, Time, Ticket Price, Location, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (800) 829- 8289 or www.narsad.org

PEN/FAULKNER ANNUAL AWARDS GALA
The Event: The PEN/Faulkner Benefit Gala: “Beginnings” with Roger Mudd, Master of Ceremonies. This event will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PEN/Faulkner Award. Proceeds will support the endowment of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the PEN/Faulkner Writers in School program.
What to Expect: Authors focusing on the theme “Beginnings” include Ron Carlson, Michael Cunningham, Jennifer Egan, Richard Ford, Colin Harrison, Colum McCann, Joyce Carol Oates, Grace Paley, Anne Patchett, Caryl Phillips, Monique Truong, and Daniel Wallace.
Date: September 27, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m. Cocktails; 7:30 p.m. Readings; 8:30 p.m.
Dinner Location: Folger Shakespeare Library
Ticket Price: $400 per person
Event Co-Chairs: TBD
Contact: (202) 636-8743

SCHOOL NIGHT 2004
The Event: School Night 2004 sponsored by Fight for Children. Proceeds provide scholarships to deserving and eligible children grades K-12 in metropolitan D.C.
What to Expect: Reception, program, and dinner with entertainment.
Date: October 22, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Washington Convention Center
Ticket Price: $1,000 per person
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: Ellen Blankenstein (703) 245-3567

SHAKESPEARE THEATRE'S WILL AWARD GALA
The Event: The Shakespeare Theatre's Will Award Gala honors an “individual who combines the richness of the classics with an excitement for the moment.” Recent recipients have included Michael Kahn, Ralph Fiennes, Anthony Hopkins and Lynn Redgrave.
What to Expect: Dinner followed by award presentation.
Date: April/May 2005
Time, Location, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: The Special Events Manager 202-547-3230, ext. 2314

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION YOUNG BENEFACTORS GALA
The Event: Young Benefactors15th Annual Black-Tie Gala. Proceeds benefit the Smithsonian's education programs.
What to Expect: silent auction, dancing and young benefactors
Date: September 18, 2004 Time: 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Location: National Postal Museum
Ticket Prices: $195 General Admission; $95 per member; (additional $20 at door)
Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 357-3030 or visit www.YoungBenefactors.org

THE SPINA BIFIDA ROAST
The Event: The 16th Annual Spina Bifida Roast. The mission of the roast is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.
What to Expect: Reception, dinner, silent auction, and a roast honoring Bernard Shaw.
Date: September 29, 2004 Time: 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction; 7:30 p.m. Dinner; 8:30 p.m. Roast
Location: Hyatt Regency Washington
Ticket Price: star at $500 per person Honorary
Co-Chairs: Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Bill Frist
Contact: Mary Corcoran Knoll (888) 837-8777 or email KnollMC@aol.com

WASHINGTON BALLET NUTCRACKER BALL
The Event: The Nutcracker Ball will celebrate the world premiere of Septime Webre's The Nutcracker.
What to Expect: The ball and an opening-night performance
Date: December 10, 2004
Time, Location, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 362-3606 ext. 125

WASHINGTON BALLET SPRING GALA
The Event: The annual spring gala celebrating the Washington Ballet's 28th anniversary.
What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live dance performance.
Date, Time, Ticket Price, Location, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 362-3466

WASHINGTON OPERA BALL
The Event: The 47th Annual Opera Ball. Hosted by the Washington Opera, the ball is one of Washington's most prestigious social events.
What to Expect: The Ball is preceded by intimate dinner parties hosted by ambassadors at their official residences throughout the city. The event gathers an impressive array of diplomatic, political, corporate, and art leaders for an evening of dining and dancing.
Date, Time, Location, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 295-2486

THE 2004 WOLF TRAP BALL
The Event: 2004 Wolf Trap Ball hosted by the Embassy of India.
What to Expect: Dancing Until Midnight.
Date: September 10, 2004 Time: 7:00 p.m.Cocktails; 8:00 p.m. dinner
Location: Filene Center Stage, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Ticket Price: $5,500-$25,500/table
Event Co-Chairs: Mr. Mark Lowham and Dr. Joseph Ruzzo
Contact: Wolf Trap Special Events 703-255-4030

1869 SOCIETY BLACK TIE GALA
The Event: The Corcoran's group of young patrons' 1869 Society Black Tie Gala. Proceeds benefit the Corcoran's educational and community outreach programs.
Date: February 26, 2005
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art/ College of Art & Design
Time, Ticket Price, Event Chair: TBD
Contact: (202) 639-1796 or email 1869Society@Corcoran.org