The Red Carpet Virtual Gala Program 2020

Dear Congressional School Community, When planning began for The Red Carpet Gala back in the fall no one could have imagined we would be dealing with a global pandemic, that our academic program would move online, and the Gala would be a virtual event - yet here we are. After quickly adjusting to our new set of circumstances, I am truly grateful for our talented teachers who have gone above and beyond to deliver a robust academic program through Congressional School Online. Their tireless dedication to the mission of our school makes me very proud. ​I am also grateful for your continued commitment to Congressional School and the level of support you give to your student(s) even as you juggle priorities as a parent and professional.

Your sacrifices are profoundly appreciated.

I want to thank our dedicated Gala Committee​, led by Co-Chairs Maxine McLeod Miller and Lindsey Ohle, whose responsiveness and ingenuity helped us re-imagine this important fundraising event as The Red Carpet Virtual Gala. Under the theme of ​Congressional Cares​, the event has three funding priorities: ●

Emergency Retention Fund -Directing funds to retain our current students.

●

Faculty and Technology Enhancement Fund -Focusing on computer replacements for faculty and staff.

-Enhancing student technology resources.

-Training faculty related to remote teaching and learning.

●

COVID-19 School Emergency Response Fund -Funding unanticipated expenses related to COVID-19.

The Gala is one of Congressional School’s biggest fundraising events, and while the Gala this year will be uniquely different, the objectives remain the same - to join together as a community in celebration of our important work and to support our remarkable students and teachers.

I am delighted to share news of a Gala Raise the Paddle challenge gift of $35,000 from Board of Trustee member Sandra Buteau and her husband Phil Budwick (John Budwick ‘20). ​Through this challenge, Sandra and Philip invite others to Raise their Virtual Paddles and join them in support of Congressional Cares. Thank you to the Buteau/Budwick family for their leadership and generosity!

I would also like to thank our ​25 sponsors​ for their support. Sponsorship is an important component in the success of our Gala and our sponsors' loyalty to Congressional School is both meaningful and appreciated.

Whether you are a sponsor or you donated an auction item, whether you bid in the Online or Live Auctions or contribute through Raise the Paddle, your support is as important now as ever before. Thank you for making ​our students, teachers, and School a priority​. Together, we will emerge stronger than before and with a renewed appreciation for the things we value most. I look forward to celebrating with you at an in-person event in the not-too-distant future.

With warmest wishes,

Head of School, Dr.​ ​Edwin P. Gordon

THE RED CARPET VIRTUAL GALA Congressional School 2020 Virtual Gala Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and staff for assisting us in our Annual Gala and Auction. In particular, please join in celebrating The Red Carpet Gala Committee for their tremendous efforts to create such a memorable evening.

Funds raised at the 2020 Gala and Auction will support Congressional Cares​. ​This theme was established in recognition of the challenges our community is currently facing due to Covid-19. To support our community, we have three fundraising priorities this year: ​Emergency Retention Fund, Faculty and Technology Enhancement Fund, and the COVID-19 School Emergency Response Fund.

On behalf of all who teach and learn here, we appreciate your ongoing support of Congressional School. We encourage you to bid high and bid often on Saturday, May 16 at 6 pm. Our children and faculty are the beneficiaries of your generosity, and your support ensures that we are able to sustain our excellence for the future!

#CongressionalCares

SATURDAY MAY 16, 2020 Live Auction Closes to Online Bidding​ –​ ​4:00 pm Happy (Half) Hours Hosted​ – 5:30 pm The Red Carpet Virtual Gala​ – 6:00 pm (Includes the Raise the Paddle, then the ‘Live’ Auction) Online Auction Closes​ – 10:00 pm

RED CARPET VIRTUAL GALA COMMITTEE Special thanks to our Gala Co-Chairs, Maxine McLeod Miller & Lindsey Ohle Samantha Ahuja Lisa Allen Bridgitte Brooks Joana Ferreira de Carvalho Lorraine Creely Kolby DeHart Debra Fabian Jenafer Howard Allyson Judge Amy Kang Heather Kiriakou Bruce MacNair Jessica MacNair Maxine McLeod Miller – Co-Chair Lindsey Ohle – Co-Chair Edy Rameika Helen Saks – Communications Chair Christine Sobol

Advancement Office Ru Buttner, Lizzie Doerr, Alyce Penn, and Chris Pryor

PAST GALAS AND CHAIR Think Green 2019 Jenafer Howard The Congressional Derby 2018 Christine Sobol and Nancy Walker The Heart Ball 2017 Chris Pryor and Jayne Shedd Congo Nights: A 70s Flashback! 2016 Tim Judkins and Debra Ciesar All that ​Glitters​ at the Congressional Supper Club​ 2015 Jim Frye and Tim Judkins A Gatsby Gala 2014 Jim Frye and Judy Lukehart MISSION POSSIBLE 2013 Jim Frye and Judy Lukehart Swing Into Spring 2012 Jayne Shedd (Jim Frye and Judy Lukehart, Event Chairs) A Walk in the Park 2011 Heather Oles and Donna Rein-Begeny

LIVE AUCTION Thank you to the following donors of our Live Auction items Derek Bowley Bridgitte Brooks Congressional School Dr. Edwin P. Gordon Lieutenant General Charles Hooper P’25 Russ Miller and Maxine McLeod Miller P’24 John Tato ’99 Susie Welty

Meet Our Auctioneer Lynne Zink will be joining our community for the Virtual Red Carpet Gala on Saturday May 16.

Lynne is an International Auctioneer Champion whose energy and enthusiasm creates an atmosphere of fun and friendly competition for every fundraising event.

Bedtime Story with Mrs. Welty

Win the opportunity to have Mrs. Welty, our long-time preschool teacher, stop by your home with a few specially selected bedtime stories to entertain and delight your child!

Mrs. Welty will also bring a special gift (a stuffed animal or gift bag with items to encourage reading at night).

Bid now to have Mrs. Welty visit your home and deliver a memorable experience for your whole family!

Donors: Susie Welty Value - Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Let's Getaway to Charleston!

Plan for a fun summer getaway and enjoy a week at "Charmingly Charleston", a two-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse in downtown Charleston that sleeps up to four guests. Ideally located on Colonial Lake in one of the most desirable parts of the peninsula, you will enjoy being near restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing. Package includes gift certificates for some of Charleston’s awesome attractions!

Donors: Russ Miller and Maxine McLeod Miller P’24, Old South Country Carriage Company, Walks of Charleston, Charleston Outdoor Adventures, City of Charleston Value: Charmingly Charleston - $2000, Carriage Ride - $60, Walking Tour $80, Boat Tour - $94, Museum Certificates - $72

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala​.org

Lt General Charles Hooper P'25 Final Pentagon Tour

Experience an exclusive insider tour of the Pentagon led by Lieutenant General Charles Hooper, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Includes a guided tour and lunch inside the Executive Dining Room for five participants.

This is the last opportunity to tour with Lt. General Hooper because of his impending retirement on September 30, 2020.

Donor: Lt General Charles Hooper P'25 Value: Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Taste of California Wine Basket

Take a tour of California wine country without ever having to leave the comfort of your home! Includes the following six bottles of classic California wines: ● 2012 Roederer Estate “L’Ermitage” Anderson Valley sparkling wine ● ● ● ● ●

2016 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard 2016 Williams Selyem Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard 2016 Opus One 2016 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Pinot Noir 2011 Far Niente Dolce Donor: John Tato ’99 Value: $1,000

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

12 Months of VIP Parking - Reserved Campus Parking Space at the BIG SCHOOL

Reserved for [Insert YOUR name here!]

Bid now and reserve your personal (and convenient) parking space at the Big School building!

The parking space will be reserved exclusively for your family with a personalized sign for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Donor: Congressional School Value: Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Private Four Bedroom West Virginia Mountain Cabin

Your chance to enjoy a week-long getaway in West Virginia!

Nestled at the foot of Ice Mountain, a National Natural Landmark, the home is a unique, custom-designed home composed of two 150-year old log cabins. The cabin has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, including a steam shower and a claw foot tub.

Activities include hiking Ice Mountain, games, fires, canoeing or just relaxing all year round.

Donor: Bridgitte Brooks Value: $5,000 For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

12 Months of VIP Parking - Reserved Parking Space at the LITTLE SCHOOL

Reserved for [Insert YOUR name here!]

Bid now and get a reserved parking spot at the Little School.

Drop off your ​little colt​ with ease every day of the 2020-2021 academic year.

The parking space is closest to the Little School and will be reserved exclusively for your family with a personalized sign.

Donor: Congressional School Value: Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Catered Dinner for 8 by Chef Extraordinaire, Derek Bowley

Derek Bowley, teacher, musical director and ​chef extraordinaire,​ will delight you and up to 7 guests with a magnificent and carefully customized 4-course meal in the comforts of your own home!

Bonus Personal Online Cooking Session: ​For the first time, Mr. Bowley is offering the winning bidder a personal virtual cooking experience. Mr. Bowley will log on and guide you step-by-step through making a dish of your choice.

Donor: Derek Bowley Value: Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Be the Boss - Head of School for the Day

Here's the chance for your child to really rule the roost! ​Their "work" day will begin by greeting students at the front entrance and leading the Big School morning gathering.

Then comes a golf cart tour of the school grounds to inspect the facilities, address areas of special interest, and conclude with a power lunch with administrators and 3 close "associates".

Everything will be captured in photographs and made into a photo album for your family to remember for years to come.

Donor: Dr. Edwin P. Gordon Value: Priceless!

For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at ​www.congressionalgala.o ​ rg

Vision We ignite the spark in young learners to become great thinkers and leaders who will positively impact our world.

Mission We provide an inspirational and challenging student-centered educational experience within our diverse and supportive community where children question, collaborate, create, and lead.

Core Values We believe that strong character is essential to being a great thinker and leader. These core values reflect our aspirations as individuals and as a community.

INTEGRITY KINDNESS PERSEVERANCE RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY

For more information, visit ​propaveinc.com

www.withthisringitheewedd.com Leora M. Willis, ​Wedding Celebrant 703-577-2164

Thank You to the Budwick Family for their $35,000 Challenge!