- CAPTION: Lorna Solano, Makeda Saggau-Sackey, Alexander Liang, Misti Schindele and Alexandra Tuffour
Protecting historic monuments in our nation’s capital is a top priority for Washington, DC and its residents. After all, an estimated 30 million tourists pay homage yearly to the District to learn and revel in the pristine buildings that serves as testaments of our history as a people. The L’Enfant Society of the Trust for the National Mall hosted its 3rd Annual Ball on the Mall on Saturday evening to raise vital funds to restore the National Mall. It the place to be seen as Washington’s younger socialite set danced the night away in two lavishly designed tents set up in between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The sold out gala raised $500,000 towards the Mall restoration efforts, bringing the Trust’s fundraising total to more than $3.1 million, doubling its overall 2010 fundraising total.
Over 900 socialites, business leaders, technology titans, politicians and talking heads and media personalities turned out for the VIP dinner and dance party that followed. In attendance was socialite Katherine Kennedy, who brought her parents, her beau, venture capitalist and L’Enfant Society board member Grant Allen. Media personalities K Street Kate’s Kate Michael, Pamela’s Punch’s Pamela Sorensen, 94.7 Fresh FM’s Tommy McFly, City Shopgirl’s Kelly Collis and the Scene Bisnow’s Kristina D’Ambrosio were in attendance. Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein, philanthropist and Venga platform developer Winston Bao Lord, Coca-Cola’s Keri Ann Meslar (a vision in a strapless cream gown and rouged lips), Microsoft’s Dr. Mark Drapeau, Wright Sigmund, jewelry designer Allison Priebe Brooks, socialite, philanthropist and jewelry designer Ashley Taylor, Neiman Marcus PR maven Liberty Jones, and L’Enfant Society chairman and businessman David J. Vennett rounded out the impressive guest list.
The Trust for the National Mall also announced last week that former First Lady Laura Bush has been tapped as the Honorary Chair of the National Mall Campaign.
“Laura Bush’s involvement in the Campaign to Restore the National Mall will be instrumental as we work to bring our message to Americans around the country,” said Caroline Cunningham, President of the Trust for the National Mall. “As this campaign moves ahead, we look forward to continuing our work with the L’Enfant Society and our other partners to advance our mission to restore the National Mall.”
Membership to the L’Enfant Society of the Trust for the National Mall is open to young business professionals committed to protecting and restoring one of the most recognizable structures around the world. Membership affords access to the Society’s high-profile events, luncheons and lecture series. Levels of involvement start at $75 to $500. Find out more information at http://www.nationalmall.org/lenfant-society-membership.php.
A special thank you to Decode 1.8 for the gorgeous blue strapless gown, Marla Cielo for the clutch, Carolee for the Pearls and Martine Wester for the bracelet.
Photo Credit Vithaya Phongsavan
