Young revelers poured into the Corcoran Gallery of Art at 8 p.m. on Friday night for the sixth annual So Others Might Eat Junior Gala, a benefit that raised nearly $100,000 for the community-based organization’s Thea Bowman House, a shelter for homeless and poor families. The young crowd sipped lemon martinis mixed with VitaminWater (an event sponsor) and milled in the foyer and second-floor balcony, where the gallery’s red walls and dramatically lit columns set a Valentine's Day theme.
Despite the rough economy, the organizers sold all 900 tickets (at $85 each). “Tickets sold out faster than ever this year,” said Susan O'Neill & Associates' Leanne Musak, who produced the event. “And we even increased the gala’s size by 100 guests.”
Curvaceous bronze sculptures created by Corcoran College of Art and Design faculty member Tamara Laird served as the centerpieces on the five round food displays. Platters of junior-size appetizers and sweet finger foods (grilled-cheese triangles, small egg rolls, and pecan pie bars) filled the tables. Heart-themed signs throughout the space advertised the evening’s raffle of tickets to Washington Redskins games, Vineyard Vines gear, and gift certificates to local restaurants.
The stage was set at one end of the main foyer for the evening’s two cover bands, which played songs like "Jessie’s Girl." In tune with the young crowd, the music was loud, reverberating through the halls until midnight.
Aside from ticket sales and the raffle of donated items, S.O.M.E. raised additional funds at the evening’s after-party (sponsored by BuyYourFriendADrink.com and Roberto Cavalli Liquors) at Mie N Yu restaurant in Georgetown.
