BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. Global

Ball on the Mall Adds Seated Dinner, Raises $350,000

T.J. Walter
May 11, 2010

The L’Enfant Society hosted its second annual Ball on the Mall on Saturday night under the shadow of the Washington Monument on the National Mall. The sold-out black-tie affair, held in a series of tents, attracted more than 800 people and raised $350,000 to restore and improve the National Mall. The event has quickly become one of the top events of the year for the young philanthropic crowd, and Allison Signorelli, the Trust for the National Mall's fund-raising consultant, along with her committee, wanted to retain and capitalize on that status when they began planning this year’s event.

“After last year we took a hard look at what people liked about the event and what they didn’t like,” Signorelli said. “We thought there was a hole in the event market for people in their 30s and 40s when it came to exciting, affordable black-tie events; especially ones that included a seated dinner. There are plenty of super-expensive dinner events and cocktail parties, but nothing in the middle.”

She continued, “I think one of the big factors in the success of this year’s event was the addition of a seated dinner. We were able to attract a lot of new sponsors who were interested in sponsoring a table as opposed to sponsoring just a buffet and dance event.”

The V.I.P. dinner got under way after 6:30 p.m. under a clear top tent, which allowed the 350 diners to sit for their meal and interact in natural light. Guests were seated at a mix of rectangular and square bar-height tables adorned with vibrant green and purple fabrics, and a trio of glass bulb chandeliers hung from the center support column. Design Cuisine provided its take on high-end Mexican fare, serving spicy pork enchiladas with Veracruz mole and pepita-crusted halibut with black bean, corn, and jicama chutney and cilantro cream sauce.

At 8:30 p.m., V.I.P. guests made their way to the main reception tent, where tan additional 450 guests were gathered. Here a variety of buffet tables served dessert selections and Mexican foods like sausage empanadas and tamalas. Four bars flanked the interior of the tent while the center was reserved for the dance floor, where DJ Heather Femia played a mix of world music and top 40 until the house lights were turned on at midnight.

Among the noted guests for the evening were Silver Spoons star Ricky Schroder, jazz legend Ski Johnson, and former Bachelor Andy Baldwin. Whitney Houston was rumored to be making an appearance, but failed to show for the event.

Ball on the Mall's seated V.I.P. dinner.
Ball on the Mall's seated V.I.P. dinner.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
The dinner tent housed a mix of square and rectangular tables adorned with either a vibrant floral pattern or purple and green linens.
The dinner tent housed a mix of square and rectangular tables adorned with either a vibrant floral pattern or purple and green linens.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
While the majority of guests dined at bar-height tables, the evening's co-chairs and special guests sat at a standard table near the stage.
While the majority of guests dined at bar-height tables, the evening's co-chairs and special guests sat at a standard table near the stage.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Design Cuisine passed hors d'oeuvres as V.I.P. guests arrived for the seated dinner.
Design Cuisine passed hors d'oeuvres as V.I.P. guests arrived for the seated dinner.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
DJ Heather Femia (right) provided background music during dinner before transitioning to dance tunes later in the evening.
DJ Heather Femia (right) provided background music during dinner before transitioning to dance tunes later in the evening.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
The reception tent on the National Mall offered views of the U.S. Capitol.
The reception tent on the National Mall offered views of the U.S. Capitol.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
A variety of cushioned seating arrangements flanked the dance floor in the main reception tent.
A variety of cushioned seating arrangements flanked the dance floor in the main reception tent.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
A trio of elevated cylindrical glass vases anchored each of the buffet tables.
A trio of elevated cylindrical glass vases anchored each of the buffet tables.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
A trio of square chandeliers provided a whimsical touch to the reception tent.
A trio of square chandeliers provided a whimsical touch to the reception tent.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
A variety of glass vases and flowers anchored the tables and seating areas in the reception tent.
A variety of glass vases and flowers anchored the tables and seating areas in the reception tent.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
After dinner, the clear dining tent was transformed into an intimate V.I.P. room with a private bar.
After dinner, the clear dining tent was transformed into an intimate V.I.P. room with a private bar.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Latest in Global
'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.
Global
Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues
Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More
Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands
Global
10 New International Venues for 2025 Meetings and Events
Looking for a fun event moment near some of Atlanta's most popular venues? Following a $2.5 million renovation, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has reopened the popular Fountain of Rings landmark at Centennial Olympic Park. Daily shows, which kicked off this week, see water spray to heights of over 15 feet, along with more than 250 new LED ring lights offering 360-degree illumination in vibrant colors and patterns, and a sophisticated fog system with over 200 individual fog emitters—all synchronized to a curated playlist of songs from artists with ties to Georgia. In addition to Centennial Olympic Park, GWCCA’s campus includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Unique Wellness Initiatives, New Sustainability Tools, and More
Related Stories
Dc Anniesenatore Picture 2png
Home
Video: Event Innovator Annie Senatore on Keeping Annual Events Fresh
E20633sa
Florals
Trust for National Mall Hosts Japanese-Inspired Ball and Lunch, Announces Laura Bush Partnership
The David Chang-hosted Night Market event for the inaugural LuckyRice Festival
Global
Asian Cultural Organization Uses Food Festival as Experiential Launch Platform
The Canadian Opera Company's Operanation benefit
Global
Trend Spotted: Global Entertainers
More in Global
Global
Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues
Damien Baines dishes on his favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host an event abroad, and more.
'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.
Global
10 New International Venues for 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened worldwide.
Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Unique Wellness Initiatives, New Sustainability Tools, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Looking for a fun event moment near some of Atlanta's most popular venues? Following a $2.5 million renovation, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has reopened the popular Fountain of Rings landmark at Centennial Olympic Park. Daily shows, which kicked off this week, see water spray to heights of over 15 feet, along with more than 250 new LED ring lights offering 360-degree illumination in vibrant colors and patterns, and a sophisticated fog system with over 200 individual fog emitters—all synchronized to a curated playlist of songs from artists with ties to Georgia. In addition to Centennial Olympic Park, GWCCA’s campus includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: Billion-Dollar Airport Revamps, Hotel Design Trends, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
The 251-room W Austin completed a multimillion-dollar transformation in January. The revitalization includes redesigned guest rooms and a new restaurant concept, Serenade American Brasserie (pictured), where chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh blends Texan flavors with classic brasserie techniques. The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of event space and is located next to the popular ACL Live music venue.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: How the Wildfires Are Affecting LA Venues, Plus 2025 Design Trends and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Looking for a truly VIP event experience? Park Hyatt New York has debuted the Manhattan Suite, now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night. The exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, spans 3,500 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views of Manhattan’s skyline; it can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight. There’s also a bespoke art collection and more than 50 New York and art-inspired coffee-table books, plus an eight-seat dining table and plenty of space for meetings and social gatherings. The hotel can also arrange private jet transfers to New York City, an in-suite chef tasting dinner, Peloton bikes, and more.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Step Inside the First-Ever, Brand-Packed Ulta Beauty World Event
Sports
2025 Kentucky Derby: How the 151-Year-Old Sporting Event and Its Partners Attracted Younger Fans
Sports
See How Teams and Brands Scored with Fans at the 2025 NFL Draft
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
Global
Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Inside Motorola’s Bold, Multisensory Razr Launch Event
Global
What's New in Event Venues: A 'Wicked'-Themed Suite, a Hotel Brand's Artisan Marketplace, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
This holiday season, New York Hilton Midtown and Universal Pictures are bringing hotel guests into the world of Wicked with a specially designed suite inspired by the film. Scroll down to learn more.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: The Election's Impact on Hospitality, a New Wellness Certification, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
Up Norway offers curated work retreats in scenic Norwegian locales, ideal for remote teams seeking a blend of work, nature, and cultural immersion. Options include a village takeover in Knutholmen for larger groups, an urban creative retreat at the new Revier Hotel in Oslo, a nature-driven experience at the historic Hattvika Lodge in the Lofoten Islands, and a music and writing retreat at Raw Ocean Lodge on the western coast. With activities like fjord tours, art workshops, and guided hikes, Up Norway tailors each retreat to corporate goals, enhancing team connection and productivity in Norway’s breathtaking settings.
Global
What's New in Event Venues: First Fully Electric Conference Center in the US, Marriott's New 'Fanbassador,' and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.
When Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to New Orleans in October, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room (pictured) will host a Swift-inspired costume contest brunch. The contest winner will walk away with a free night’s stay at the hotel.
Global
An Experiential Event Prof Shares Her Favorite Venues Around the World
​​Erica Taylor Haskins, co-founder and chief growth officer at Tinsel Experiential Design, shares her favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host a cool brand activation, and more.
'The Cathedral of St. John the Divine [in New York] is such a striking hidden gem and one of my favorite event venues in the city,' says Tinsel Experiential Design's Erica Taylor Haskins.
Global
Where I Go: A Global Event Expert Shares Her Go-To Venues Around the World
Bonnie O’Hara, a partner at global creative agency Amplify, shares her favorite venues to host a large conference or brand activation, to entertain a client, to get inspired, and more.
Amplify's Bonnie O’Hara Shares Her Favorite Event Venues
Global
10 Hotels Opening in 2024 That Event Profs Should Know About
From London to Nashville, these noteworthy, events-ready properties will debut sometime this year.
Hotel Bardo Savannah
Page 1 of 56
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.