The Magic of Montmartre Gala

On April 11th, I attended the 'Magic of Montmartre Gala' held at the Embassy of France. The event was an annual benefit for The Washington Home & Community Hospices' health care and end-of-life services for area residents.

According to Tim and Sharon - (TWHCH) Established as the Washington Home for Incurables in 1888 and helped pioneer the hospice movement in this country. The founders believed that aging and terminally ill-women and men - especially those who had no one else to care for them - deserved compassionate care at the end of their lives. Their work is still guided by this philosophy today.

Kicking off the cocktail reception, Tim Cox (Chief Executive Officer) and Sharon Collins Casey (Chair of Board) greeted each guest by door, it was then I was greeted by Tim, Sharon and a Mime Artist. Shortly followed by a lady dressed up in a Marie Antoinette costume serving Kir Royal. After the introductions, I proceeded to make my way through the next room to check out several accessories, jewelry and pastries.

The following stores  below participated in the 'Elegant French Market' at the event. A portion of the market net proceeds will support  The Washington Home & Community Hospices' programs and services.

Melitta P:  Beautiful cashmere accessories from Melitta P whose clients include: Barney's New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and J.Mendel.

Paul's Wine & Spirits: French red and white wines for tasting and purchase. A silent auction of red and white wines from France.

D & M Design: Unique, imported jewelry from around the world that combine textures into wearable art.

Sissy Yates Designs: Colorful and handcrafted fine gemstone jewelry whose designs are inspired during traveling across the wild, natural world.

Susan Calloway Fine Art: European oil landscapes and elegant frames from this gallery that specializes in contemporary art.

Praline Bakery & Bistro: Scrumptious pastries created by DC area's most authentic, from-scratch French bakery and restaurant.

My evening hits a high note when I met one of the Caricaturists, Billy. I always wanted a caricature of myself for giggles!
Billy asked a few questions about my preferred background/setting of the drawing and the rest he followed on a hunch.
After small conversation and a few minutes - my caricature was finished. I couldn't contain my excitement for the cute picture! Needless to say - I was happy with the final drawing. 

After the drawing, I talked to Jan DuPlain and others before I made way to the Photo section where Moulin Rouge was the backdrop. Normally I resist the themed photo sessions at Galas due to the cheesy factor, but I couldn't resist this time. Huge fan of the Moulin Rouge film, I jumped at the opportunity. See below:

After the  photo booth,  it was now time for the evening's performance by the can-can dancers. The dancers entertained the guests with a quick dance routine. After the routine, the ladies made their way to the crowd and introduce themselves.

Shortly after the performance, dinner was served. For the Hors d' Oeuvres: Smoked Salmon, Gougere (Bechamel Cheese Puff), Mini Croque Monsieurs and Mini Vegetarian Tarlets was offered to guests during the cocktail portion.

As for the main course a.k.a  the light French Supper Buffet, we saw many delectable foods. The dinner menu: Beef au Poivre, Seared Sea Scallops with Wild Mushroom Rigatoni, Fricassee of Fish with Sauce Blanche, Grilled Vegetables a la Provencale, Arugula Salad with Beets, Carrots and Goat Cheese Crumble, Assorted Cheeses & French Breads.

The dessert menu: Grand Marnier Crepes, Creme Brulee Napoleons, Chocolate Bar Croustillant and Macarons.

Thanks to Jan!

Photography by Christine Shepherd

To learn more about the The Washington Home & Community Hospices, click here.

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