Young benefactors Phillipe Cousteau, Heather Guay, Pamela Sorensen, and Local Kicks Style Editor Susanne Seidman with husband  Rob bring a passion for fashion and philanthropy to Capital Hospice's Gala

Susanne Seidman, Style Editor

"Local Kicks would like to thank Alexandria’s own B&C Jewelers for the gorgeous, chunky Majorca Pearls worn by Susanne Seidman"

Gala season is upon us! No city loves to raise much needed cash for a cause like Washington. Check in with LocalKicks.com to see who is sipping and supporting at the best parties in town.

Passion and Fashion at the Capital Hospice Passion for Caring Gala
 
If you have ever experienced the blessing that is hospice care for a loved one or friend, then you know just how passionate you can feel about a cause.  The well heeled and well jeweled turned out to support the Capital Hospice Gala chaired by Wendy Adler Hall.

Tango Dancers strut their  stuff in honor of His Excellency Ambassador D. Marcos Hector Timerman International Co-Chair

With the National Building Museum transformed by the host committee into a charming Argentinean street market, realities associated with caring for progressivley ill patients could honestly be suspended for a special evening to watch a pair of dancers tango while bidding on a bevy of carefully chosen silent auction items and nibbling on tasty bites.

Master of ceremonies Scott Pelley of CBS utilized both his polished charm and smooth broadcast voice to keep the program flowing and the mood relaxed and celebratory.  Honoree Eleanor Clift suspended her tough exterior from years on “The McLauglin Group” to accept an award based on her own personal journey with hospice care and the book chronicling her experience losing her husband.

Young benefactors pulled their weight for a cause so many find the need for long before they can even imagine.  Leading the charge, the ever fashionable and fun Pamela Sorensen and Heather Guay served on the host committee.  Phillipe Cousteau, grandson of famed Captain Jacques Cousteau, donated a speaking engagement for children 12th grade and younger, bringing the power of family history and ecological responsibility to a very excited and frenzied bidding crowd. Sadly, the face of cancer is getting younger and younger.  Fortunately, the socially active and professionally successful are also the socially responsible. Cheers to a new generation of philanthropists!

On a personal note, this evening’s gala marked the first anniversary of my own experience with hospice. Susan Day, my mother and a tireless, lifelong volunteer, succumbed to her own struggle with pancreatic cancer exactly one year ago.  Carrying out the stylish standards she embodied from her time at Saks on the Mag Mile, she would love the quilted, metallic bag snapped up in the silent auction from donor Wendy Adler. With each compliment may it bring attention to the best care and services for the progressively ill, regardless of the ability to pay, and carry forward a greater sense of style.

Wendy Adler Hall and family with Masters  of Ceremony Scott Pelley of CBS and his wife

A little about Hospice Care:  From a respite in the daily demands of care giving for a gravely ill family member to the comfort of a patient in physical pain and emotional, spiritual and medical need, hospice care is a gift. Each doctor, nurse, chaplain, and volunteer brings a story and a perspective to not only the patient but the family and friends who support and love them.  Their passion is tireless and their devotion unending.  Funds raised to ensure hospice’s mission can be carried out also celebrate the gifts of passion and healing in the hands of a talented team, who allow our family members and friends comfort, choices, and more time to savor the joys of life.

To learn more about hospice and palliative care programs and receive educational materials and information call Capital Hospice at 1-800-869-2136 or visit www.capitalhospice.org

Next up on the LocalKicks 2008 Ball and Gala circuit, The Corcoran 1869 Society Fall Fete charied by Erin Barnes and Corrie Gilchrist at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Attire is black tie. Contact 1869society@corcoran.org or call 202-639-1753