By senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
The Trust for the National Mall’s Anniversary Benefit Luncheon organized by the Women’s Committee was not your usual dine and dish affair: It’s not often that you’re greeted by Martha Washington, nor is it usual to see an array of hats reminiscnet of Great Britain’s Wimbelton scene. Queen Elizabeth would be proud.
The affair included a reception and lunch with philanthropists, business leaders, government officials, and diplomats from around the world and a keynote address from Volkswagen CEO Jonathan Browning with former First Lady Laura Bush as Honorary Chairperson.
“We’re building a once-in-a-generation campaign to realize the first major restoration of the National Mall in nearly 40 years,” notes Caroline Cunningham, President, Trust for the National Mall. “We are so grateful to Jonathan and Volkswagen of America for their pace- setting contribution, which will benefit people from all corners of the globe and from all walks of life who come here to experience, learn about and shape the American story.” Volkswagen donated mega bucks. Hats off to that! The luncheon preceded the main event – The 5th Annual lavish “Ball on the Mall.”
Former First Lady Laura Bush (C) at the 5th Anniversary Luncheon. Photo credit: Credit: Rebecca D’Angelo
Washingtonians know that the mall has been undergoing a number of surgical repairs in the last few months; construction and tarps and crews and scaffolding stretching all the way to the top of the Washington Monument, but even so, it’s hard to deny the beauty of “America’s front yard.” Construction under way or not, this wasn’t going to stop the L’Enfant Society from gathering hundreds of revelers and supporters for the 5th Annual Ball on the Mall, raising money and support for the Trust for the National Mall.
The air was warm and spring was descending on the city for the annual black tie event which this year featured a buzzing cocktail reception (with bites from Equinox, Central and Cedar) and then a lively night of music and dancing, all to support the very ground on which we stood.
Kelly Collis from 94.7 Fresh FM (a lifelong Washingtonian) kept the crowd’s spirits high as Emcee and introduced an exciting announcement from Caroline Cunningham, President of the Trust for the National Mall. Cunningham re-affirmed an announcement from Thursday’s luncheon for the National Mall; Volkswagen of America has made a $10 million contribution to supporting the National Mall. “Jonathan Browning, their CEO, is a strong supporter of the National Mall and Volkswagen really understands icons,” she said in her remarks before attendees. “They were nice to know and happy to know my first car was a Jetta.”
Chip Akridge and Kelly Collis
“Last year we really challenged people to expand this group.” Cunningham described the tremendous growth in preservation projects through the Trust including forthcoming support for projects on the Constitution Gardens and also on the Washington Monument grounds near the Sylvan Theater. Cunningham also premiered a new PSA featuring Chelsea Clinton where she describes her favorite National Mall memories, including watching her father’s inaugurations and secret low-key walks around the mall with her mother during their time in the White House.
“Enjoy the National Mall for years to come; today when you are young, and tomorrow when you have children and hopefully when your grandchildren are coming for their eighth grade trips.”
And with drinks, dancing and plenty of merriment, enjoy it – we did.
