#1 Benefit
Raising money to support early childhood education, the 28th annual event on November 2 secured $4.3 million. For the first time this year, stars of mixed martial arts joined the 2,000-person crowd at the Washington Hilton. The Professional Fighters League arranges match-ups at the event, and former heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov, rising star featherweight Lance Palmer, Brazilian Caio Alencar, and MMA veteran Steven Siler participated. Appearances were made by the Washington Redskins cheerleaders and several athletes, Fox Sports NFL commentator Jay Glazer, and actors Omar Benson Miller and Donovan W. Carter from HBO’s Ballers. The Party Deck, a smaller, self-contained and lower-cost area of the ballroom, returned; rock group Royal Machines performed. Next: November 1, 2018
#2 Benefit
With an eye toward putting music front-and-center, and shifting from a ball to a gala, organizers shook up the format June 3 by moving from decorated embassies around town to a concert from Broadway and opera stars at the Kennedy Center Opera House. The effort paid off, with the evening’s benefactor, the Washington National Opera, earning $2.3 million, double recent fund-raising totals. Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves sang Showboat’s “Old Man River” and Renee Fleming sang, while The Color Purple cast member Cynthia Erivo and Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr. and Jordan Donica performed. Board chairwoman Jacqueline Badger Mars, heiress to the Mars candy company, was honored as she stepped down after six years—but not before each guests received a W.N.O. package of M&Ms. Next: June 2018
#3 Benefit
Dovetailing with the ball’s 30th anniversary on March 11 was the retirement of the ball’s founder, David Timko, who also served as executive director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s area chapter. As a result, organizers raised $4.1 million through ticket sales, sponsorships, live auction, and an on-site call for donations. “David is an infectious personality so a lot of people wanted to do something special for his retirement,” said Beth Gorman, the chapter’s executive director. Event designer Hargrove created a wall of photos from the past three decades at check-in. Entertainment included comedian Jim Gaffigan and singer Andy Grammer. Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, more than 1,700 people attended. Next: March 10, 2018
#4 Benefit (up from #6)
In total, the March 10 benefit at the National Building Museum raised almost $1.6 million, thanks to a strategy of targeting new industries to attend and an expansion of the silent auction. Featuring a theme of Italy: Icon of Innovation, event designer David Tutera showcased the European nation in modern times. A foundation board member, Tutera also spoke, noting cancer “punctured my world” when family members and friends were diagnosed. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who lost his father to the disease, was honored for encouraging bipartisan unity around medical research. He accepted the Cancer Champion Award on his father’s behalf. The event had more than 100 sponsors, including several pharmaceutical companies. Next: May 16, 2018
#5 Benefit
About 300 of Washington’s business elite gathered for the sold-out event November 12, according to organizers. Shifted to different venues each year, the 2017 gala was held at the Ritz-Carlton with 20 chefs and one mixologist. A silent auction included prizes like a trip to Las Vegas featuring cage-side tickets to the 2018 Professional Fighters League, or a “Tour de Jose,” during which four guests could dine at four of chef José Andrés’s Michelin-starred restaurants. A live auction also was held. Presented by CIM Group and Wells Fargo, sponsors included Marriott, Baird, American Airlines, and others. J. Knox Singleton, C.E.O. of Inova Health Systems, received the Alfred J. Hitchcock award. The foundation’s fund-raising goal was $500,000. Next: Fall 2018
#6 Benefit
One might not imagine the Kennedy Center topping last year’s event, which honored Marvin Gaye, but the cultural venue shifted to focus on John Lennon at the May 8 event. In a concert hosted by actor David Duchovny, under musical direction by T Bone Burnett, performers included Corinne Bailey Rae, Steven van Zandt, Judy Collins, and many others. An estimated 2,110 came to the concert in the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall, while some 800 came to the pre-concert dinner. The 2017 recipients of the Award for the Human Spirit are philanthropists Joan and Sanford (Sandy) Weill and citizen artists Aaron and Afa Sadykhly Dworkin. An after-party reportedly lasted until the wee hours. Next: Spring 2018
#7 Benefit
For its 30th anniversary, celebrated October 23 at the Marriott Wardman Park, the College Fund shifted to a larger ballroom and created a new stage set. A video showcased the organization’s history, while former organization officials were on hand, and 30 scholars were brought on stage. Nearly $4.3 million was raised. Celebrities in attendance included Jussie Smollett, Vivica A. Fox, Kevin Frazier, and others. Miss U.S.A. 2016 Captain Deshauna Barber, a fund member-school graduate, also came. In another first, the event was hosted by outgoing fund president and C.E.O. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Sponsors included Altria, Gallup, MillerCoors, the N.B.A., Society for Human Resource Management, and Wells Fargo. Next: October 29, 2018
#8 Benefit
The familiar and much-loved ball returned in lieu of the Trust for the Mall Luncheon to celebrate the 10-year partnership of the Trust for the Mall and the National Park Service. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer served as master of ceremonies at the May 11 event; author and presidential historian Douglas Brinkley presented the History, Heroes, and Hope Award to philanthropist David M. Rubenstein; and the Distinction in Corporate Service Award went to Volkswagen Group of America. The long list of sponsors included Altria, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Capital One, Quicken Loans, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and scores of others. American Airlines sponsored the after-party. Next: April 26, 2018
#9 Benefit
In support of Children’s National Health System, which works to advance pediatric medicine locally and worldwide, the April 7 event raised just over $3 million. The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. provided ample space for the 860 attendees and “creative decor,” according to organizers. Emcee Bret Baier donned an authentic NASA spacesuit during the opening program to support the Pioneering the Future theme. He was joined on stage by CBS This Morning co-host Norah O’Donnell and Molly Barcalow, a 16-year-old who survived a rare and life-threatening cancer after receiving treatment at Children’s National. Next: April 6, 2018
#10 Benefit
Part of a weekend-long celebration that paid tribute to Sicily, the 42nd anniversary gala drew 1,400 guests to the Marriott Wardman Park November 4 and honored Princess Beatrice di Borbone delle Due Sicilie. Italian cocktails were served, and the silent auction included Italy trips and items showcasing Italian craftsmanship. Performances were delivered by Lena Prima, Carmelo Sorce, and Alfio. Emceed by Emmy-award winning journalist Maria Bartiromo and actor Joe Piscopo, the event raised just over $1 million. During an after-party, traditional songs were sung and guests danced the tarantella. The weekend also featured decor in Sicily’s red and yellow colors, traditional dishes, and events like Tony De Nonno's Sicilian marionette show. Next: October 13, 2018
#11 Benefit
Honoring military families, U.S.O. supporters, and volunteers, the 76th annual event was held October 19 at the Marriott Marquis. Attended by 600 people, the evening was emceed by journalist Tamron Hall and included a performance by comedian Jeffrey Ross, “Roastmaster-in-Chief.” The theme was A Force Behind the Forces, and seven U.S.O. Service Member of the Year awards were given, while two service members received U.S.O. Volunteer of the Year Awards. The evening focused on Fueling the Future, a four-year, $500 million fund-raising initiative to help American service members make connections. The Boeing Company and the Kroger Company both are partners in the campaign. Other sponsors included Chevron, AT&T, and Coca-Cola. Next: Fall 2018
#12 Benefit
Looking to create a fun atmosphere against the backdrop of the stately Meridian House, organizers of the October 20 event decorated the 49th annual edition with tropical flowers, colorful paper cut-outs, cigar rollers, and a doughnut wall. Following a cocktail reception at the the Latin-inspired event, 800 guests dined either at one of 25 embassies, or at Meridian’s White-Meyer House next door. The night ended with dancing in a clear-topped tent in the garden. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, Veterans Affairs secretary David Shulkin, and Deputy National Security advisor Dina Powell attended. Meridian declined to disclose the fund-raising total. Corporations such as Bayer, Chevron, and Gallup were sponsors. Next: October 12, 2018
#13 Benefit
Held at the National Air & Space Museum on May 12, the event drew 600 guests. Several members of Washington’s glitterati attended, including Michelle Kosinski of CNN, U.S. senators Mark Warner and Lisa Collins, Amy and Brett Baier of Fox, and others. Celebrating President John F. Kennedy’s 100th birthday, the theme was the Washington Ballet Ball: We Choose the Moon. Caroline Kennedy was honorary chair. The event featured catering from Occasions Caterers, florals and some rentals from Amaryllis, and lighting by John Farr Lighting, while Design Foundry oversaw decor for the first time. Next: May 2018
#14 Benefit
Inspired by a traditional German ringing-in of spring’s arrival, the May 19 event attracted 400 guests and featured the theme of Maifest: A Spring Celebration of German Art and Culture. It honored the collection’s long-standing relationship with the German Embassy, and celebrated the artistic exchange between the United States and Germany. On behalf of the museum’s educational programs, $1 million was raised, and honorary board chairman and trustee emeritus George Vradenburg and Trish Vradenburg were recognized. The event coincided with the Contemporaries Bash: Berlin Underground, an evening of cocktails, dancing, music, food, and fashion at Dock 5 at Union Market, which brought in over 700 young professionals. Next: May 4, 2018
#15 Benefit
Heavy hitters were among the 600 art fans who attended this 50th anniversary gala on March 11. Actress Cicely Tyson, age 92, paid tribute to the evening’s guest of honor, Reginald Van Lee, executive vice president of Booz Allen Hamilton. She read a letter to the titan from former First Lady Michelle Obama, while Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an opera fan, also was in attendance, the Washington Post reported. A silent auction included a variety of offerings, including lunch for 10 at the Hungarian embassy with the ambassador, access for nine to an Hermes scarf-tying party, and more. Sponsors included Altria Client Services, which handled wine; Daimler did the after-party; and Mars Inc. provided favors. The event raised $1.2 million, an increase from $1 million the previous year. Next: March 10, 2018
#16 Benefit
The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 10th annual gala honored actress Laura Linney with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre. The evening began at Sidney Harman Hall with performances by Broadway stars, flamenco dancers, and many other artists. Batalá Washington, a musical group, played drums while walking guests to the National Building Museum and into the venue for dinner and dancing. Videos provided tributes to Harman Hall and—from cellist Yo-Yo Ma—to the late Sidney Harman, the theater’s namesake. The event raised $715,000 for the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education and community programs. Next: Fall 2018
#17 Benefit
It doesn’t get much more glamorous than Monaco. The French city-state provided the theme for the September 23 event, which raised $1.5 million to support the Wolf Trap Foundation. Beginning with the invitations, which featured a zoomed-in photo of the Grace de Monaco Rose, Monte Carlo was evoked throughout the event. Roses were prominent in the decor, a reproduction of Princess Grace’s wedding dress was brought in, and the stage’s rehearsal hall echoed Monaco’s Opera House and Casino, with roulette tables and branded casino chips, which guests could use to win extra tickets for the raffle of a lavish Monte Carlo vacation. Drone footage of Monaco’s skyline was shown on a loop to the event’s 840 guests. Next: September 2018
#18 Benefit
National Youth of the Year winners from seven decades joined the program’s 70th anniversary celebration September 26 at the National Building Museum, where a video showcased the program’s legacy. This year’s winner, Carlos Polanco, also was celebrated, and photos of prior winners were placed atop napkins at each place setting. The event was emceed by Nick Cannon—a club alumnus—and Kelly Rowland, Estelle, and the Real Housewives of Potomac took part. Celebrities walked a blue carpet into the event, honoring the color of Boys & Girls Club doors nationwide. For entertainment, the organization enlisted members to perform. The Youth of the Year program is presented by Disney with support from Toyota and additional partners Taco Bell Foundation and University of Phoenix. Next: September 25, 2018
#19 Benefit
In a return to the National Building Museum, the competitive cook-off was again held May 23, this year between 48 members of Congress and their spouses. The event raised $1.1 million and brought in 650 attendees. In celebration of the gala’s 35th anniversary, members of Congress who have participated for 10 years or more were recognized on stage. Senator Tom Cotton and wife Anna Cotton were guest speakers, sharing the story of their son’s birth and two-week stay in neonatal intensive care. Next: April 17, 2018
#20 Benefit
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society raised more than $500,000 at its 39th annual benefit on October 12. The evening included dinner, dancing, and a silent auction with international prizes, including trips to the United Arab Emirates and Casablanca, as well as items made by artisans overseas. Held at the Marriott Marquis, the ball honored Representatives David E. Price, a Democrat from North Carolina, and Ryan Costello, a Republican from Pennsylvania, co-chairs of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus. The event was co-chaired by Jennifer Kildee, wife of Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan and Cristina Antelo, principal of the Podesta Group. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba and his wife, Abeer Al Otaiba, of the U.A.E. were honorary co-chairs. The evening’s emcees were local news personalities. Next: Fall 2018
#21 Benefit
Honoring the centennial birthday of two musical dynamos—Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie—as well as that of President Kennedy, Alvin Ailey kicked-off a week-long Kennedy Center engagement on February 7 with its annual benefit performance and party at the venue. Over 800 guests raised a record $1 million while taking in Ella, artistic director Robert Battle’s piece set to scatting; and Billy Wilson’s The Winter in Lisbon, set to Gillespie tunes. Other dance numbers were featured before a finale of, naturally, Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations. A wide swath of Washington, including ambassadors, journalists, Alvin Ailey board members, and others took in the show and a reception; they were joined for dinner by Battle and the dancers. Next: February 6, 2018
#22 Benefit
Reunited with Fight Night after a scheduling conflict split the two events last year, the recent increase in media coverage of sexual harassment claims helped the fund-raising efforts for this event, which seeks to end to domestic violence. The November 2 bash at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, brought in more than $720,000, a healthy boost from last year’s $600,000 total. A silent auction and reception kicked off the evening, followed by dinner and an after-party. The Break the Silence Award was given to Rene Denfeld by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Mayor Muriel Bowser also made appearances. Next: November 1, 2018
#23 Benefit (up from #24)
Increasing its attendance, 1,200 guests attended the 30th annual ball, which took place June 17 at the Washington Hilton. Organizers raised $700,000, with organizations such as ExxonMobil, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Hilton, Microsoft, ASPCA, and others providing sponsorship at the $10,000 and above level. Former Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole took part in the event. Design Foundry arranged event decor, and a masquerade theme was featured. Guests received masks upon arriving at the event, and there was a live musical performance set to photos of adopted animals. Next: October 20, 2018
