Some Top Gala Picks: Go to What You Love and Support

“Do I have to pick just one?” asked Kevin Chaffee, senior editor at Washington Life and senior associate at Qorvis Communications, when asked about his favorite galas and charitable events. Among other editorial duties, Chaffee has covered the Washington social scene for decades, beginning with assignments around Georgetown to the Washington Times and then to Washington Life.

Chaffee looks to events, seasoned with style and creativity. While saying that the opening nights for the Washington National Opera, Washington Symphony, Washington Ballet and other performing arts galas are always high on the list, Chaffee tagged the PEN-Faulkner Gala as a top favorite, which he has attended for many years. “It always has an interesting theme,” he said. “I look to see how the authors run with the one-word theme.” The gala is on Oct. 7.

The Georgetowner’s own social scene correspondent Mary Bird had a few favorites on her mind. “There are so many gala events to attract supporters of every persuasion that it is difficult to single out only a few,” she said. ” The competition is fierce. My personal loves are animals and the arts. Major events that I support — the Washington Humane Society, Sugar and Champagne, Fashion for Paws and the Bark Ball — do not occur in the fall.”

“If I were to single out a few for the season just launched, I would start with the Harman Center for the Arts, on Oct. 6,” Bird said. “This year, Elizabeth McGovern will accept the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre and the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts will be presented to KPMG, LLP. The evening begins with a reception and performance at Sidney Harman Hall after which guests are escorted to the National Building Museum for dinner and dancing.”

Bird’s other favorites include: Unmask the Night, “a grande masquerade soirée,” presented by the Jeté Society and the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet on Oct. 26; the 25th Arts for the Aging Benefit Gala on Nov. 5; and a longtime care, Knock Out Abuse, on Nov. 14.

As for yours truly, choosing what to cover is mostly an editorial choice for our readers. I agree with what my colleagues said. I also enjoy events that focus on the sciences and the military. For me, National Geographic Gala this year knocked it out of the park. The upcoming Georgetown Gala is a must: fun with the neighbors. Also, S&R’s Night Nouveau should prove interesting. Be that as it may, go to what you love.