by contributor Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Haley Schiffer
Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand. Thank you M&M’s.
The ballrooms of the Mandarin Oriental were anything but a chocolate mess on Friday evening as over 50 chefs including those from Adour, Co Co Sala, The Source, Chef Geoffs,. Bastille, RIS, BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier, Bobby Van’s Grill, Kushi, BLT Steak, Overwood, Black Salt, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Bourbon Steak, Bistro Bis, The Oval Room, 2941 Restaurant, 701, Zatinya, and PS 7, offered both sweet and savory bites at Charity in Chocolate, to benefit the Heart of American Foundation.
That would have been reason enough for attending but the evening’s piece de resistance was a fashion show—not just any fashion show—the looks were fashioned of what else? Chocolate. We can only wonder about the melt factor under those hot lights, but that’s another story.
Scott Thuman
WJLA’s anchor Scott Thuman emceed the confectionary runway walk while a who’s who of Congressional members, Ambassadors, and VIPs made up the lengthy host list, honorary chairs being His Excellency The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero. Celebrity guest judges of the fashion show included WTOP’s Kristi King, Kate Michael of K Street Kate, Heather Roth, 2008 RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year and Michael McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief, DC magazine.
Awards handed out that evening included he Heroes of the Heart® Award established to honor those who embody the values at the heart of America and represent the best of their communities. These remarkable individuals elevate the standard of social responsibility and provide hope and inspiration. This year’s recipient was Peter Teeley, founder and chairman of the Children’s Charities Foundation. Also awarded was the Principal of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding Washington, DC public school principals for their dedication, professionalism and work on behalf of our city’s youngest citizens. Principals receiving this award are nominated by the community – parents, youth, educators, administrators and other community members – for excellence as leaders in partnership with the District of Columbia Public Schools. Winner–Dr. Marta Palacios, Principal of Bruce Monroe Elementary School.
The Heart of America Foundation®, a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., uniquely promotes volunteer service and literacy. The organization inspires acts of service and a love of reading by building community and providing children in need with the tools to read, succeed and make a difference. Committed to education and volunteerism, The Heart of America Foundation® engages volunteers through putting books into the hands of children who need them the most.
The sugar high is just beginning to wear off—but all in all, a sweet evening.
