As the first hints of the autumn air descended upon Washington, a thousand people gathered for one of the most elaborate garden parties in Washington, DC. The 11th Annual Soirée Suisse was held on the evening of September 19th at the Swiss Residence and hosted by the Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States Manuel Sager and Mrs. Christine Sager complete with a myriad of superb activities, food, drink, honors, and charity.
Upon entering the residential compound and walking the long red carpet to the festivities, guests were greeted by alphorn players and goodies. Lesson learned at Soiree Suisse: the earlier you arrive the more gifts there are! A host of sponsors were divided between various themed rooms, including “Discover Switzerland Lounge” (where the lucky few received Villars chocolate bars while learning about Switzerland’s tourism industry), “Home Court in Europe Lounge” with tennis ball and shaving take-aways by Procter & Gamble, “Absenthe Tasting” by Kübler, “Gourmet Coffee Lounge” by Nespresso with Läderach boxes and Toblerone bars, and finally the “Fumoir Lounge by Davidoff Cigars.
On an intellectual note, two Swiss individuals were the honored recipients of the Tell Prize awarded by Ambassador Sager. Billionaire Hansjörg Wyss was recognized, among his many other accomplishments, for his efforts in environmental protection and work defending the American underprivileged. Thabo Sefolosha was the first Swiss NBA basketball player and current represents the Oklahoma Thunder. In particular, he gives back to children by organizing basketball camps and aiding a South African township where he has roots.
As if you needed an incentive to stay well into the night with the fabulous food, Swiss wine or Kir cocktails, the raffle drawing promised to reward. Though I regret to say I did not win the trip to Switzerland with business class flights or the many other items, I did not leave empty handed. Every guest was given an elaborate gift bag. Quite amusing and a testimony to the generosity of the Swiss was the number of ladies and gentlemen who paused under a street lamp to see what was inside. And did I mention there was a raclette station?
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The 11th Annual Soirée Suisse
November 4, 2012
As the first hints of the autumn air descended upon Washington, a thousand people gathered for one of the most elaborate garden parties in Washington, DC. The 11th Annual Soirée Suisse was held on the evening of September 19th at the Swiss Residence and hosted by the Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States Manuel Sager and Mrs. Christine Sager complete with a myriad of superb activities, food, drink, honors, and charity.
Upon entering the residential compound and walking the long red carpet to the festivities, guests were greeted by alphorn players and goodies. Lesson learned at Soiree Suisse: the earlier you arrive the more gifts there are! A host of sponsors were divided between various themed rooms, including “Discover Switzerland Lounge” (where the lucky few received Villars chocolate bars while learning about Switzerland’s tourism industry), “Home Court in Europe Lounge” with tennis ball and shaving take-aways by Procter & Gamble, “Absenthe Tasting” by Kübler, “Gourmet Coffee Lounge” by Nespresso with Läderach boxes and Toblerone bars, and finally the “Fumoir Lounge by Davidoff Cigars.
On an intellectual note, two Swiss individuals were the honored recipients of the Tell Prize awarded by Ambassador Sager. Billionaire Hansjörg Wyss was recognized, among his many other accomplishments, for his efforts in environmental protection and work defending the American underprivileged. Thabo Sefolosha was the first Swiss NBA basketball player and current represents the Oklahoma Thunder. In particular, he gives back to children by organizing basketball camps and aiding a South African township where he has roots.
As if you needed an incentive to stay well into the night with the fabulous food, Swiss wine or Kir cocktails, the raffle drawing promised to reward. Though I regret to say I did not win the trip to Switzerland with business class flights or the many other items, I did not leave empty handed. Every guest was given an elaborate gift bag. Quite amusing and a testimony to the generosity of the Swiss was the number of ladies and gentlemen who paused under a street lamp to see what was inside. And did I mention there was a raclette station?
