The greater Washington chapter of the International Special Events Society held its annual Capital Awards Gala, this year dubbed "the Pink Ball,"  on Sunday night at the new Party Rental warehouse in Laurel, Maryland. Co-chairs Kelly Jenkins of Capital Decor & Events and Wendy Raab of Rave Reviews produced the six-hour event, which commenced at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception in the Party Rentals showroom, moved on to the award ceremony in a nearby tent, and ended in the warehouse with an entertainer-packed party for more than 375 guests.

At the award presentation, one of the big winners was "Amanda’s Chocolate Factory," a private event produced by Patricia Weiner of Plan-It Parties, which took top honors in the Social Event Planning, Lighting, Event Decor, Table Design, and On-Premise Catering categories. The coveted Best Team award went to the group responsible for "Elements of Surprise," the nonprofit Builders Ball fund-raiser, led by Kelley Gillespie of GEM Events. During the presentation, guests munched on flavored popcorn from Smoothie Time. A complete list of winners is available here.

After the awards, a gospel choir, provided by Elan Artists (who also provided a violinist and a dance band), escorted guests into the warehouse, where Well Dunn Catering offered up interactive stations of Asian noodle dishes and retro American fare while roller-skating entertainers served drinks. The eclectic decor by Capital Decor & Events included funky multicolored chandeliers, uplit stacks of pink plastic glass racks, metal bars, and sleek lounge furniture. The evening ended with a dramatic seven-minute fireworks display by Fireworks Concepts.  

The 21st anniversary event benefited breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen for the Cure.