Sweethearts & Patriots Go to France

“Say Yes to the Dress” host Monte Durham was on the red carpet Feb. 9 for a special cause: wounded veterans. “I didn’t think anybody would know who I am, but these girls have been screaming and so excited to see me,” said Durham, a surprise guest of the Sweethearts and Patriots Gala at the French Embassy, which raised funds and awareness for French and American military organizations, Terre Fraternite and the Disabled American Veterans.

The gala was chaired by Jadyn Horyn with the Sons of the American Revolution and Catherine Timbers with the Manor House Chapter of the D.C. Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Among the guests: Jan Cousteau of the famed ocean exploration family, Sarah Diligenti, the executive director of the L’ Alliance Francaise of Washington, and Rev. Timothy Cole, rector of Christ Church Georgetown. Impersonators of the Marquis de Lafayette, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other noted American Francophiles rounded out the VIP list.

Ben Franklin and the Marquis de Lafayette. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Gala co-chair Catherine Timbers. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Danielle Lepire, Camille Lepire and Lindsey Mask. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

The Rev. Tim Cole and Lorraine Cole of Christ Church. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Monte Durham of “Say Yes to the Dress” greets guests. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

St Andrew’s Society D.C. Pipe & Drum. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

tagsChrist Church GeorgetownDaughters of the American RevolutionFrench EmbassyL’ Alliance Francaise of WashingtonMonte DurhamSons of the American RevolutionTerre Fraternitethe Disabled American Veterans