knock out abuse gala By barbara martin and jayne sandman, gala co- CHAIRs
MAY
JUNE
10
March of Dimes Gourmet Gala
What to Expect: Meet more than 50 U.S. senators and representatives face-to-face as they serve favorite dishes, desserts and drinks from their home states, all in a friendly cook-off competition to support the March of Dimes. The Cause: Lifesaving research and programs to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality Event Details: National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; business attire; no individual tickets; sponsorships $5,000; contact Tina Cavucci at ccavucci@ marchofdimes.org.
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Washington Ballet Spring Gala
What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, dancing and performances from students and company dancers. The Cause: The Washington Ballet’s community engagement and education programs Event Details: Location TBD; 7 p.m.; black- tie; contact Elissa 202-247-4518.
F
ounded in 1993, Knock Out Abuse has fundamentally changed the lives of tens of thousands of women in the region by providing immediate help and long-term solutions to help stop the cycle of abuse. In the past 23 years, they have donated nearly $10 million to four incredible charities that help survivors of domestic abuse with counseling, housing and legal assistance: Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Safe Shores, Crossway Community and the DC Volunteer Lawyer Project. This year’s event, will take place on November 3 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is also known as the social event of the year for DC’s most prominent women, as it brings together 700 bold-facers for a night of fashion, revelry and the city’s best auction. For us, heading up the 2016 event was a way to deepen our longstanding commitment to women’s issues. In 2007, we co-founded the District Sample Sale, which has raised over $300,000 for women’s and children’s causes, and in 2015, we started the BrandLinkDC Power Women Summit, an event hosting leaders of companies including Drybar, SoulCycle, Sweetgreen and National Geographic. The gala is about Washington’s most amazing women coming together to help other women. And there’s nothing more important to us. Knock Out Abuse has a long history of not only being one of the most philanthropic evenings in Washington, but also one of the most fun. Past surprise guests and honorees have included Hillary Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Bo Derek, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Tamron Hall, Kathleen Turner, Quincy Jones and Questlove. We can’t wait.
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19
Phillips Collection Gala and Contemporaries PARTY
Event Chairs: German Amb. Peter Wittig,; George and Trish Vradenburg
What to Expect: Hundreds of cultural, political, diplomatic and business leaders enjoy cocktails and dinner served amid the museum’s masterworks. The Cause: The Phillips Collection’s award-winning education programs Event Details: The Phillips Collection; black-tie or cocktail attire; contact Sarah Schaffer, 202-387-2151, sschaffer@phillipscollection.org.
Hillwood Estate & Museum Spectacular! Gala
Event Chairs: Mark Lowham, Amy Meadows and Molly Rolandi What to Expect: A glamorous evening in celebration of the spectacular new exhibit, “Spectacular! Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection,” along with a cocktail reception and elegant formal dinner on the Lunar Lawn. The Cause: Hillwood’s ongoing efforts to share Mrs. Post’s mission and the cultural treasure she left for the public’s enjoyment at Hillwood. Event Details: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens; 6:30 p.m.; $500; sponsorships $1,000; contact 202-2433974, astarr@hillwoodmuseum.org. Will on the Hill
Event Chairs: Bernie McKay, others TBD What to Expect: Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle join Washington insiders on-stage to perform a political satire infused with Shakespearean language and references. The Cause: Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education, artistic and community engagement programs Event Details: Sidney Harman Hall; cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m.; $50 for performance only, $250 for VIP, sponsorships $1,000; contact willonthehill@shakespearetheatre.org.
STep afrika! vip gala
CityDance DREAMScape
What to Expect: A one-night-only, starpacked production featuring “the world’s hottest dancers” performing a high-energy mash up of contemporary and classical ballet, tap, modern and hip hop from around the world. The Cause: CityDance’s award-winning DREAM program, which provides classes and performance opportunities, mentoring and tutoring to students from the city’s most underserved communities.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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What to Expect: Artists, alumni and benefactors come out for fabulous food, a performance from Step Afrika!’s stepping company and an after-party. The Cause: Supporting Step Afrika, Washington’s largest African American arts organization Event Details: Tickets $350; sponsorships $1,000; cocktail attire; contact Joanne Coutts, jcoutts@stepafrika.org.
2016-2017 Check washingtonlife.com for photos from all your favorite balls and galas.
| SEPTEMBER
2016
| washingtonlife.com