On Sept. 14, political and social guests who purchased $500 benefit tickets showed up in long dresses and waited in even longer limo lines at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps and Congressional leaders weaved through jewel tones and black ties, always with a drink in hand, in the lower-floor ballroom and perused over 200 silent auction items. The selection spanned from gala exquisite – fancy embassy dinners and sparkly baubles – to a guitar signed by Lady Gaga herself. The Golden Retriever puppy, cooed at all night, was sold to the highest bidder via iPod Touch auction technology for $3,500.
Lisa Collis and Amey Upton co-chaired the evening, and Norah O’Donnell, chief White House correspondent for CBS News was the emcee. Senator Kay Hagan and Senator Johnny Isakson, and representatives Kevin McCarthy and Barbara Lee were recognized for their involvement with the Congressional MS Caucus.
Guests shuffled into the dining room to enjoy a Ritz-refined carnivorous three-course meal (no nibbling pup in sight). The Wright Touch provided soft brass auditory entertainment as attendees took their designated seats and exchanged handshakes and photographs with new friends across the tables.
As Ms. O’Donnell drew attention to the realities of Multiple Sclerosis over the microphone, citing current research and prominent guest’s work towards the cause, the first course, rare seared tuna over tomato cucumber salad with spicy soy vinaigrette, was served. Next came a grilled filet mignon topped with double beacon jus and crispy onions. For desert, a triple chocolate tart topped with white chocolate cookie cream and sprinkled with gold flakes was accompanied by champagne and coffee.
Midway through the dinner trio, members of ARPAN Kathak Dance Academy dressed in metallic jingling ensembles performed Indian and Turkish chorography, and encouraged guests to join in with claps and kicks.
Not too long after guests devoured their tuna and tarts, the dancing shifted from eclectic Eurasian performance sounds to all-American ‘60s and ‘70s classic hits.
At the end of the evening, guests took off with gift bags stuffed with a $50 spa card, Godiva chocolate bites and an oversized vanilla cupcake from Crumbs, specially decorated with the logo of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Also in the swag package was a large lint roller – something that the puppy’s new owner should be able to use at least 3,500 times.
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The 2011 Ambassador's Ball
October 3, 2011
On Sept. 14, political and social guests who purchased $500 benefit tickets showed up in long dresses and waited in even longer limo lines at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps and Congressional leaders weaved through jewel tones and black ties, always with a drink in hand, in the lower-floor ballroom and perused over 200 silent auction items. The selection spanned from gala exquisite – fancy embassy dinners and sparkly baubles – to a guitar signed by Lady Gaga herself. The Golden Retriever puppy, cooed at all night, was sold to the highest bidder via iPod Touch auction technology for $3,500.
Lisa Collis and Amey Upton co-chaired the evening, and Norah O’Donnell, chief White House correspondent for CBS News was the emcee. Senator Kay Hagan and Senator Johnny Isakson, and representatives Kevin McCarthy and Barbara Lee were recognized for their involvement with the Congressional MS Caucus.
Guests shuffled into the dining room to enjoy a Ritz-refined carnivorous three-course meal (no nibbling pup in sight). The Wright Touch provided soft brass auditory entertainment as attendees took their designated seats and exchanged handshakes and photographs with new friends across the tables.
As Ms. O’Donnell drew attention to the realities of Multiple Sclerosis over the microphone, citing current research and prominent guest’s work towards the cause, the first course, rare seared tuna over tomato cucumber salad with spicy soy vinaigrette, was served. Next came a grilled filet mignon topped with double beacon jus and crispy onions. For desert, a triple chocolate tart topped with white chocolate cookie cream and sprinkled with gold flakes was accompanied by champagne and coffee.
Midway through the dinner trio, members of ARPAN Kathak Dance Academy dressed in metallic jingling ensembles performed Indian and Turkish chorography, and encouraged guests to join in with claps and kicks.
Not too long after guests devoured their tuna and tarts, the dancing shifted from eclectic Eurasian performance sounds to all-American ‘60s and ‘70s classic hits.
At the end of the evening, guests took off with gift bags stuffed with a $50 spa card, Godiva chocolate bites and an oversized vanilla cupcake from Crumbs, specially decorated with the logo of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Also in the swag package was a large lint roller – something that the puppy’s new owner should be able to use at least 3,500 times.
